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Etzel's killi (Epiplatys etzeli) — Nothobranchiidae

Etzel's killi

Epiplatys etzeli
EN · Endangered

The Etzel's killi (Epiplatys etzeli) 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
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Etzel's killi is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from West Africa. The species is small; males are handsomely coloured. It inhabits small forest brooks, often in shaded, soft water, and stays just below the water surface. Unlike many relatives it is not a seasonal killifish. At the surface it snaps at small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. Owing to a limited range the species is considered endangered. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Etzel's killi?

The Etzel's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Etzel's killi live?

The Etzel's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Etzel's killi get?

The Etzel's killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Etzel's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Etzel's killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Etzel's killi edible?

The Etzel's killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Etzels panchax sourced
English name
Etzel's killi sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys etzeli
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Epiplatys

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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