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Roloff's killi (Scriptaphyosemion roloffi) — Nothobranchiidae

Roloff's killi

Scriptaphyosemion roloffi
LC · Least Concern

The Roloff's killi (Scriptaphyosemion roloffi) 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
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Roloff's killi is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are handsomely marked in blue, yellow and red, females plain. It inhabits pools, brooks, swamps and small streams, mainly in the shallow and stagnant parts. Unlike the true seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species of drying pools. It feeds on small invertebrates and insects. The species is popular with killifish hobbyists. Owing to its small size it has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roloff's killi?

The Roloff's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Roloff's killi live?

The Roloff's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Roloff's killi get?

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

Is the Roloff's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Roloff's killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Roloff's killi edible?

The Roloff's killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roloffs killivis sourced
English name
Roloff's killi sourced
Scientific name
Scriptaphyosemion roloffi
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Scriptaphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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