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Lefini killifish (Aphyosemion lefiniense) — Nothobranchiidae

Lefini killifish

Aphyosemion lefiniense
DD · Data Deficient

The Lefini killifish (Aphyosemion lefiniense) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; permanent forest streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Lefini killifish is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from small forest streams, pools and swamps of the Congo basin in 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 Lefini killifish?

The Lefini killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Beautifully coloured male; non-annual killifish of permanent Central African forest streams.

Where does the Lefini killifish live?

The Lefini killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Central Africa; permanent forest streams.

How big does the Lefini killifish get?

The Lefini killifish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Lefini killifish dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Lefini killifish edible?

The Lefini killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lefini killifish sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion lefiniense
Family
Nothobranchiidae

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) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; permanent forest streams. 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; non-annual killifish of permanent Central African forest streams. 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 verified
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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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