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Redspot panchax (Aphyosemion cognatum) — Nothobranchiidae

Redspot panchax

Aphyosemion cognatum
Family: Nothobranchiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Redspot panchax (Aphyosemion cognatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa, in small streams, swamps and pools in the rainforest of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Aphyosemion cognatum, the redspot panchax, is a small, colourful killifish (family Nothobranchiidae) of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a slender body; males are green-blue with numerous red spots, females plain. It lives in brooks, swamps and pools in the rainforest. Unlike many killifish it is not a seasonal species, and it is easy to keep in an aquarium. Its diet consists of small invertebrates and insect larvae. The species is harmless to humans and popular in the killifish hobby.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redspot panchax?

The Redspot panchax has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Males green-blue with numerous red spots; non-seasonal, easy aquarium fish.

Where does the Redspot panchax live?

The Redspot panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa, in small streams, swamps and pools in the rainforest of the Congo basin.

How big does the Redspot panchax get?

The Redspot panchax grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Redspot panchax dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Redspot panchax edible?

The Redspot panchax is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Redspot panchax verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion cognatum
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Red-spotted killi verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured 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
Central Africa, in small streams, swamps and pools in the rainforest of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Males green-blue with numerous red spots; non-seasonal, easy aquarium fish. 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

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