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Huwald's killifish (Callopanchax huwaldi) — Nothobranchiidae

Huwald's killifish

Callopanchax huwaldi

The Huwald's killifish (Callopanchax huwaldi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

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Description

The Huwald's killifish is an African killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from small forest streams, pools and swamps of West Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm; males are brightly coloured with red, blue and yellow tints and coloured fin margins. Many relatives are annual: their eggs survive a dry period in the soil. As a fish of shallow, often oxygen-poor water it snaps at insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Huwald's killifish?

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

Where does the Huwald's killifish live?

The Huwald's killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Sierra Leone

How big does the Huwald's killifish get?

The Huwald's killifish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Huwald's killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Huwald'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
Huwald's killifish sourced
Scientific name
Callopanchax huwaldi
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.7 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: Sierra Leone 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 Callopanchax

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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