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Kilombero Notho
Nothobranchius kilomberoensis
📍 Africa
Nothobranchius kilomberoensis, commonly known as the Kilombero Notho, is a small annual killifish native to Tanzania with vibrant coloration and an engaging personality. These fish are prized by killifish enthusiasts for their striking appearance and relatively manageable care requirements. They are best kept in species-specific or carefully planned community setups due to their specialized needs.
Care Guide
Diet
Kilombero Nothos are carnivorous and require live or frozen small foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro worms. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, adjusting quantity based on fish size and appetite. They may refuse dry foods, so live or frozen options are essential for optimal health and coloration.
Behavior
These killifish are active swimmers that display territorial behavior, especially males toward each other. They prefer dimly lit tanks with dense vegetation and are most active during dawn and dusk hours. Males will display vibrant colors and engage in chasing behaviors, making them fascinating to observe in a dedicated setup.
Breeding
Kilombero Nothos are annual killifish that breed readily in captivity with proper conditioning. Provide a spawning substrate of peat moss or specialized spawning medium where pairs can deposit eggs. Eggs require a drying period of several weeks to months before being rehydrated to trigger hatching, making breeding a specialized but rewarding process.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; both are killifish with comparable care needs
Comparable size and dietary requirements; peaceful coexistence possible
Small bottom dweller; may be nipped at but generally compatible if tank is large enough
Small algae eater that occupies different tank zone and has minimal interaction
Small schooling fish; may trigger predatory response in killifish
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 26-28°C (79-82°F), perform daily water changes, use salt baths or medication containing malachite green or formalin
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, maintain optimal temperature, use antibacterial medication such as tetracycline or phenoxyethanol
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, lethargy, scratching behavior
Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), reduce light exposure, use copper-based treatments or acriflavine, perform daily water changes
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, ulcers, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, erratic swimming
Improve water conditions, perform daily 50% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotics such as kanamycin or gentamicin
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - primarily small live foods
- lifespan
- 1-2 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 68–75°F (20–24°C)