Home · Nothobranchiidae · Loennberg's killi
Loennberg's killi (Aphyosemion loennbergii) — Nothobranchiidae

Loennberg's killi

Aphyosemion loennbergii
LC · Least Concern

The Loennberg's killi (Aphyosemion loennbergii) 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
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West-Central Africa; rainforest streams and pools.
Edibility
Not eaten

Want the complete picture on the Loennberg's killi?

Get the app

Description

Loennberg's killi is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the coastal rainforest of West-Central Africa. The species grows to only about 5 cm and inhabits brooks, pools and small streams in the rainforest on weathered soil. Unlike the seasonal killifishes, which survive drying pools with diapausing eggs, this is not a seasonal species. The males are handsomely coloured, the females plain brownish. It feeds on small invertebrates and insects. The species is difficult to keep in the aquarium. Owing to its small size it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Loennberg's killi?

The Loennberg's killi has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Beautifully coloured males; not a seasonal killifish, lives in rainforest streams.

Where does the Loennberg's killi live?

The Loennberg's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West-Central Africa; rainforest streams and pools.

How big does the Loennberg's killi get?

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

Is the Loennberg's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Loennberg's killi is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Loennberg's killi edible?

The Loennberg's killi is not usually eaten.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Loennberg's killi?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Loennberg's killi is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Loennberg's killi sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion loennbergii
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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-Central Africa; rainforest streams and pools. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insects 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 males; not a seasonal killifish, lives in rainforest 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 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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Loennberg's killi?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Loennberg's killi is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Loennberg's killi? Get the app