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Heinemann's killifish (Aphyosemion heinemanni) — Nothobranchiidae

Heinemann's killifish

Aphyosemion heinemanni

The Heinemann's killifish (Aphyosemion heinemanni) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon

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Description

The Heinemann's killifish is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from small forest streams, pools and swamps of Gabon in West-Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are brightly coloured with red, blue and yellow spots and coloured fin margins, females stay an inconspicuous brown. As a fish of shallow, often shaded and oxygen-poor water it snaps at insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms; many species lay their eggs among leaf litter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Heinemann's killifish?

The Heinemann's killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Heinemann's killifish live?

The Heinemann's killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Cameroon

How big does the Heinemann's killifish get?

The Heinemann's killifish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Heinemann's killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Heinemann's killifish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Heinemann's killifish sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion heinemanni
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Heinemann's killi sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Cameroon sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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