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Banded nothobranch (Nothobranchius fasciatus) — Nothobranchiidae

Banded nothobranch

Nothobranchius fasciatus

The Banded nothobranch (Nothobranchius fasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Somalia

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Description

The Banded nothobranch is an annual killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from temporary rain pools and swamps of the savanna of the coastal plain of Tanzania in East Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; the male is brightly coloured with red, blue or orange tints and a scaled pattern. When the pools dry up in the dry season the adults die, but their eggs survive in the soil and hatch after the next rains. It eats mosquito larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Banded nothobranch?

The Banded nothobranch has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Banded nothobranch live?

The Banded nothobranch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Somalia

How big does the Banded nothobranch get?

The Banded nothobranch grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Banded nothobranch dangerous to humans?

No, the Banded nothobranch is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Banded nothobranch sourced
Scientific name
Nothobranchius fasciatus
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Somalia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nothobranchius

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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