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Gabon jewelfish (Aphyosemion cyanostictum) — Nothobranchiidae

Gabon jewelfish

Aphyosemion cyanostictum
LC · Least Concern

The Gabon jewelfish (Aphyosemion cyanostictum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; swampy rainforest streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The killi is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from Central Africa. The species is small; males are handsomely coloured with blue-green tints, red spots and coloured fin margins. It inhabits small, mostly swampy brooks in the rainforest. Unlike many relatives it is not a seasonal killifish. At and near the surface it snaps at small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gabon jewelfish?

The Gabon jewelfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Beautifully coloured male with blue-green tints and red spots; not a seasonal killifish.

Where does the Gabon jewelfish live?

The Gabon jewelfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; swampy rainforest streams.

How big does the Gabon jewelfish get?

The Gabon jewelfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Gabon jewelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Gabon jewelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Gabon jewelfish edible?

The Gabon jewelfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Gabon jewelfish verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion cyanostictum
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Gabon jewelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Average length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; swampy rainforest streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small insects, midge larvae and small zooplankton 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
Beautifully coloured male with blue-green tints and red spots; not a seasonal killifish. 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
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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