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Green killi (Nimbapanchax viridis) — Nothobranchiidae

Green killi

Nimbapanchax viridis
NT · Near Threatened

The Green killi (Nimbapanchax viridis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa; vegetated streams and rivulets in wooded savanna.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The green killi is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from West Africa. The species is small; males are handsomely coloured with greenish and red tints. It inhabits brooks and small streams, especially the weedy parts, in the forested savanna. Unlike many relatives it is not a seasonal killifish. At and near the surface it snaps at small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. Owing to a limited range the species is considered near threatened. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Green killi?

The Green killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Greenish-coloured surface killifish; not a seasonal killifish, sensitive because of its restricted range.

Where does the Green killi live?

The Green killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; vegetated streams and rivulets in wooded savanna.

How big does the Green killi get?

The Green killi grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Green killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Green killi is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Green killi edible?

The Green killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Green killi sourced
Scientific name
Nimbapanchax viridis
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green 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
West Africa; vegetated streams and rivulets in wooded savanna. 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
Greenish-coloured surface killifish; not a seasonal killifish, sensitive because of its restricted range. 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 Nimbapanchax

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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