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Bates' killi (Aphyosemion batesii) — Nothobranchiidae

Bates' killi

Aphyosemion batesii
Family: Nothobranchiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bates' killi (Aphyosemion batesii) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa, on the interior plateau, in raffia swamps and swampy parts of shallow forest streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Aphyosemion batesii is a small, colourful killifish (family Nothobranchiidae) of Central Africa. The species reaches about 9 cm and has a slender body; males are brightly coloured in red, blue and yellow, while females are plainer. It is restricted to the inland plateau, where it inhabits raffia swamps and swampy parts of shallow forest brooks under forest cover. Its diet consists of insects, insect larvae and small invertebrates. As a bottom spawner it deposits its eggs in the substrate, where they can bridge unfavourable periods. The species is harmless to humans and popular in the killifish hobby.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bates' killi?

The Bates' killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Colourful killifish of raffia swamps; bottom-spawner whose eggs can bridge unfavourable periods.

Where does the Bates' killi live?

The Bates' killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa, on the interior plateau, in raffia swamps and swampy parts of shallow forest streams.

How big does the Bates' killi get?

The Bates' killi grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Bates' killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Bates' killi is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Bates' killi edible?

The Bates' killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bates' killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion batesii
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa, on the interior plateau, in raffia swamps and swampy parts of shallow forest streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, insect larvae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Colourful killifish of raffia swamps; bottom-spawner whose eggs can bridge unfavourable periods. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

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