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Ocellated killi (Aphyosemion ocellatum) — Nothobranchiidae

Ocellated killi

Aphyosemion ocellatum
LC · Least Concern

The Ocellated killi (Aphyosemion ocellatum) 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-Central Africa; rainforest streams and small watercourses.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The ocellated killi is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from west-central Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres; males are handsomely coloured and bear an eyespot-like marking, to which the name refers. It occurs in brooks and small streams in the rainforest on the inland plains and hilly areas. Unlike many killifishes it is not a seasonal fish. As a small predator it hunts small insects and invertebrates. In the aquarium it is regarded as very difficult to keep. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated killi?

The Ocellated killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Male with eyespot-like markings; not a seasonal killifish, of African forest streams.

Where does the Ocellated killi live?

The Ocellated killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West-Central Africa; rainforest streams and small watercourses.

How big does the Ocellated killi get?

The Ocellated killi grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Ocellated killi dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Ocellated killi edible?

The Ocellated killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ocellated killi sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion ocellatum
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-Central Africa; rainforest streams and small watercourses. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small insects and invertebrates 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
Male with eyespot-like markings; not a seasonal killifish, of 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 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

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