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Splendid killi (Aphyosemion splendopleure) — Nothobranchiidae

Splendid killi

Aphyosemion splendopleure
LC · Least Concern

The Splendid killi (Aphyosemion splendopleure) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon, Eq Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria

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Description

Aphyosemion splendopleure is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the coastal rainforest of West and Central Africa. The species reaches only about 5.5 cm and lives in quiet parts of brooks and small streams with clear, soft water over sandy substrate beneath forest cover. Males are strikingly coloured with red spots and streaks on a blue-green ground, while females are plain brownish. It is not a seasonal killifish: its eggs do not survive prolonged dry periods. The species is kept in the aquarium hobby but is considered difficult to maintain. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Splendid killi?

The Splendid killi has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Brightly coloured males; not a seasonal killifish.

Where does the Splendid killi live?

The Splendid killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Cameroon, Eq Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria

How big does the Splendid killi get?

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

Is the Splendid killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Splendid 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.

More photos

Splendid killi (Aphyosemion splendopleure) — Nothobranchiidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Andrew Bogott (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Splendid killi (Aphyosemion splendopleure) — Nothobranchiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) joe_cutler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Splendid killi (Aphyosemion splendopleure) — Nothobranchiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Francois Libert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Splendid killi sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion splendopleure
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight 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
Africa: Cameroon, Eq Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria sourced
Origin
Native inferred

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
Oviparous, reproduces all year round in permanent streams. inferred
Special features
Brightly coloured males; not a seasonal killifish. sourced

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or 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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