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Louesse killi (Aphyosemion louessense) — Nothobranchiidae

Louesse killi

Aphyosemion louessense
VU · Vulnerable

The Louesse killi (Aphyosemion louessense) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa (Congo and Gabon)
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Louesse killi is a small killifish from Central Africa, occurring in the Louesse, Bouenza and Niari rivers in the Republic of the Congo and in southern Gabon. It grows to about 5 cm; the males are strikingly red to orange. It lives in forest brooks and small streams in rainforest and wooded savanna, in soft, warm water. It is an egg-laying, non-seasonal killifish that is relatively easy to keep in the aquarium. The fish feeds on small invertebrates. Because of its limited range the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Louesse killi?

The Louesse killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Bright red males; oviparous, non-seasonal killifish

Where does the Louesse killi live?

The Louesse killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa (Congo and Gabon)

How big does the Louesse killi get?

The Louesse killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Louesse killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Louesse killi 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 Louesse killi edible?

The Louesse killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Louesse killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion louessense
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Natural range
Central Africa (Congo and Gabon) verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Oviparous stream fish; reproduces in the rainy season. sourced
Special features
Bright red males; oviparous, non-seasonal killifish 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
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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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