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Starhead killi (Fenerbahce formosus) — Nothobranchiidae

Starhead killi

Fenerbahce formosus
LC · Least Concern

The Starhead killi (Fenerbahce formosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

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

Description

The Formosa killi is a very small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres and the males are handsomely coloured. It occurs mainly in shallow, weedy parts of brooks, small streams and swamps in the rainforest. It is not a seasonal killifish. At and near the surface it snaps at small zooplankton, mosquito larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Starhead killi?

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

Where does the Starhead killi live?

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

How big does the Starhead killi get?

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

Is the Starhead killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Starhead killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Starhead killi edible?

The Starhead killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sierlijke dwergkillivis sourced
English name
Starhead killi verified
Scientific name
Fenerbahce formosus
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Starhead killi verified

Appearance

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

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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