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Cameroon killi (Aphyosemion cameronense) — Nothobranchiidae

Cameroon killi

Aphyosemion cameronense
LC · Least Concern

The Cameroon killi (Aphyosemion cameronense) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Rainforest waters of central West Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Aphyosemion cameronense is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the rainforests of Central-West Africa. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has an elongate body; the males are handsomely coloured with red and blue-green hues, while the females are plainer. It lives in swamps, swampy brooks and small forest streams under dense canopy on the lowland plains. Unlike many killifishes it is not a seasonal killifish with a drying habitat. The species is prized by hobbyists but is difficult to maintain in the aquarium.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cameroon killi?

The Cameroon killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Colourful male; not a seasonal killifish, lives under dense rainforest cover.

Where does the Cameroon killi live?

The Cameroon killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Rainforest waters of central West Africa.

How big does the Cameroon killi get?

The Cameroon killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Cameroon killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Cameroon 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.

Is the Cameroon killi edible?

The Cameroon killi is not usually eaten.

More photos

Cameroon killi (Aphyosemion cameronense) — Nothobranchiidae — 2
H.Grenier (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
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All data

Identification

English name
Cameroon killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion cameronense
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 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
Rainforest waters of central West Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Colourful male; not a seasonal killifish, lives under dense rainforest cover. 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
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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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