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Killi (Epiplatys longiventralis) — Nothobranchiidae

Killi

Epiplatys longiventralis
EN · Endangered

The Killi (Epiplatys longiventralis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

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

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Description

The killi is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from West Africa. The species is small; males are handsomely coloured with red spots and coloured fin margins. It occurs in swamps and swampy parts of small streams in the savanna. At and near the surface it snaps at small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. Owing to a limited range the species is considered endangered. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Killi?

The Killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Beautifully coloured male; small surface killifish of savannah swamps, threatened by its limited range.

Where does the Killi live?

The Killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; swamps and swampy savanna rivulets.

How big does the Killi get?

The Killi grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Killi dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Killi edible?

The Killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Killi sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys longiventralis
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold 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; swamps and swampy savanna rivulets. 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
Beautifully coloured male; small surface killifish of savannah swamps, threatened by its limited 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 Epiplatys

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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