Fin's Fish Guide
The Kafue killifish (Nothobranchius kafuensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Kafue killifish is a small, annual killifish from Zambia, in the Kafue and the upper Zambezi. The species grows to about 6 cm; males are handsomely coloured. It lives in temporary pools that dry out in the dry season and lays its eggs in the mud, where they survive the drought and hatch when the rains return; incubation lasts about five months. The fish feeds on small invertebrates and is regarded as difficult to keep. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kafue killifish?
The Kafue killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a marbled pattern. Annual killifish with drought-surviving eggs
Where does the Kafue killifish live?
The Kafue killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Zambia
How big does the Kafue killifish get?
The Kafue killifish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Kafue killifish dangerous to humans?
No, the Kafue 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.
Is the Kafue killifish edible?
The Kafue killifish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nothobranchius
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the Kafue killifish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kafue killifish is one of 12,519 species in the app.