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Savanna killi (Epiplatys spilargyreius) — Nothobranchiidae

Savanna killi

Epiplatys spilargyreius
LC · Least Concern

The Savanna killi (Epiplatys spilargyreius) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The savanna killi is a small egg-laying killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the African savanna. The species reaches only about 5 to 6 cm and has an elongate body with a flat back and an upward-pointing mouth, adapted to life just beneath the water surface. It inhabits swamps, small brooks and other quiet waters of the savanna. There it browses on algae and plant matter and eats terrestrial and fallen insects. Males are more colourful than females. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Savanna killi?

The Savanna killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Savanna killi live?

The Savanna killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Savanna killi get?

The Savanna killi grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Savanna killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Savanna killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Savanna killi edible?

The Savanna killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Savanne-killivis sourced
English name
Savanna killi sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys spilargyreius
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal 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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