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Savanna killi (Epiplatys spilargyreius) — Nothobranchiidae

Savanna killi

Epiplatys spilargyreius
LC · Least Concern

The Savanna killi (Epiplatys spilargyreius) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the savannah belt of Africa, including the Nile and Chad basins.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The savanna killi is a small egg-laying killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the African savanna. The species reaches only about 5 to 6 cm and has an elongate body with a flat back and an upward-pointing mouth, adapted to life just beneath the water surface. It inhabits swamps, small brooks and other quiet waters of the savanna. There it browses on algae and plant matter and eats terrestrial and fallen insects. Males are more colourful than females. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Savanna killi?

The Savanna killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Surface fish with a flat back and an upward-directed mouth; males more colourful.

Where does the Savanna killi live?

The Savanna killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of the savannah belt of Africa, including the Nile and Chad basins.

How big does the Savanna killi get?

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

Is the Savanna killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Savanna 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 Savanna killi edible?

The Savanna killi is not usually eaten.

More photos

Savanna killi (Epiplatys spilargyreius) — Nothobranchiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) H.Grenier, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Savanna killi (Epiplatys spilargyreius) — Nothobranchiidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert; Loat, L. (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Savanna killi sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys spilargyreius
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 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
Freshwater of the savannah belt of Africa, including the Nile and Chad basins. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, plant material and insects sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Oviparous; reproduction coincides with the rainy season. inferred
Special features
Surface fish with a flat back and an upward-directed mouth; males more colourful. 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 Epiplatys

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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