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Walker's killi (Fundulopanchax walkeri) — Nothobranchiidae

Walker's killi

Fundulopanchax walkeri
LC · Least Concern

The Walker's killi (Fundulopanchax walkeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa; swamps, pools and streams of coastal rainforest and wooded savanna.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Walker's killi is a colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from West Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm; males are handsomely blue-green to red-brown with red spots and markings, females plain. It inhabits swamps, pools, brooks and small streams in coastal rainforest and forested savanna. It lays its eggs on or in the bottom and can bridge short dry periods, an adaptation to fluctuating water levels. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates and insects. The species is popular with killifish hobbyists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Walker's killi?

The Walker's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Beautifully coloured males; can bridge short dry periods with eggs laid in the bottom.

Where does the Walker's killi live?

The Walker's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; swamps, pools and streams of coastal rainforest and wooded savanna.

How big does the Walker's killi get?

The Walker's killi grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Walker's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Walker's killi is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Walker's killi edible?

The Walker's killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Walker's killi sourced
Scientific name
Fundulopanchax walkeri
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 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
Natural range
West Africa; swamps, pools and streams of coastal rainforest and wooded savanna. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insects sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Beautifully coloured males; can bridge short dry periods with eggs laid in the bottom. 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

Same genus Fundulopanchax

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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