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Herzog's killi (Aphyosemion herzogi) — Nothobranchiidae

Herzog's killi

Aphyosemion herzogi
LC · Least Concern

The Herzog's killi (Aphyosemion herzogi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

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

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Description

Herzog's killifish is a small, colourful killifish from forested streams and swamps of Gabon in West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are handsomely coloured with red markings and coloured fin edges, while females are inconspicuous brownish. Unlike many relatives this is not a seasonal killifish: it lives in permanent, calm forest brooks and feeds on small zooplankton and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans, popular in the aquarium trade and assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Herzog's killi?

The Herzog's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Males attractively coloured; non-seasonal forest stream killifish

Where does the Herzog's killi live?

The Herzog's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Gabon

How big does the Herzog's killi get?

The Herzog's killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Herzog's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Herzog's killi 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.

Is the Herzog's killi edible?

The Herzog's killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Herzog's killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion herzogi
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Herzog'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
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Gabon verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and insect larvae inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Forest-stream killifish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Males attractively coloured; non-seasonal forest stream 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
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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