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Thys's killi (Aphyosemion thysi) — Nothobranchiidae

Thys's killi

Aphyosemion thysi
VU · Vulnerable

The Thys's killi (Aphyosemion thysi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southwestern Congo
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Thys's killi is a small, colourful killifish from southwestern Congo, known from the area between Mossendjo and Komono in the Louesse drainage. It grows to about 4.5 cm and lives in brooks and small streams in mountainous rainforest, in soft, slightly acidic and cool water. It is an egg-laying, non-seasonal killifish that is regarded as difficult to keep. The fish feeds on small invertebrates. Because of its very limited range the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thys's killi?

The Thys's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Oviparous, non-seasonal killifish from mountainous forest streams

Where does the Thys's killi live?

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

How big does the Thys's killi get?

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

Is the Thys's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Thys's 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 Thys's killi edible?

The Thys's killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Thys's killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion thysi
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Natural range
Southwestern Congo verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Oviparous stream fish; reproduces in the rainy season. sourced
Special features
Oviparous, non-seasonal killifish from mountainous 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
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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