Home · Nothobranchiidae · Blackfin killi
Blackfin killi (Nimbapanchax melanopterygius) — Nothobranchiidae

Blackfin killi

Nimbapanchax melanopterygius

The Blackfin killi (Nimbapanchax melanopterygius) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

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

Want the complete picture on the Blackfin killi?

Get the app

Description

The blackfin killi is a small West African killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from shallow, shaded fresh water of forest streams in West Africa. The species grows to about 4 cm; males are handsomely blue-green with red spots and dark fins, females inconspicuously brownish. It lives among leaf litter and water plants and snaps at small invertebrates, larvae and insects. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin killi?

The Blackfin killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blackfin killi live?

The Blackfin killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Guinea

How big does the Blackfin killi get?

The Blackfin killi grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Blackfin killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin killi 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.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Blackfin killi?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackfin killi is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Blackfin killi sourced
Scientific name
Nimbapanchax melanopterygius
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Guinea 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 sourced
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 Nimbapanchax

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Blackfin killi?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackfin killi is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Blackfin killi? Get the app