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Bluefin Notho
Nothobranchius rachovii
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Nothobranchiidae
Variety of Nothobranchius Killifish · bluefin notho
📍 Mozambique & Zimbabwe, Southeast Africa
Annual killifish with extraordinary colours — electric blue body with vivid red markings. Short-lived (under 1 year) but spectacular. Eggs are buried in peat and dry-stored.
Care Guide
Diet
Bluefin Nothos are carnivorous and require live or frozen foods as their primary diet. Offer small live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae once daily in small portions. They may occasionally accept high-quality frozen foods but typically refuse dry flakes and pellets.
Behavior
These are active, colorful mid-water swimmers that display territorial and semi-aggressive behavior, especially males toward each other. They are best kept in pairs or small groups with adequate space and visual barriers to reduce aggression. Their short lifespan (under 1 year) makes them a unique short-term commitment compared to most aquarium fish.
Breeding
Breeding Bluefin Nothos in captivity is moderately difficult but rewarding for dedicated hobbyists. Condition pairs with live foods, then provide a spawning substrate of peat moss where eggs will be buried; remove and dry-store the peat for 4-6 weeks before rehydrating to trigger hatching. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, making this species best suited for experienced breeders.
Tank Mates
Similar size and killifish temperament; compatible water parameters
Peaceful killifish with overlapping temperature and pH requirements
Non-aggressive cleanup crew; won't compete for food or space
Small peaceful fish but monitor for aggression; ensure adequate hiding spaces
Similar size but may trigger predatory response; only in larger tanks with dense vegetation
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain pristine water quality, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or antibacterial medication if severe
Ich (Ichthyophthirius)
White spots on body and fins, scratching against surfaces, rapid breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use ich medication or salt treatment; ensure good aeration
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, lethargy, rapid gill movement
Darken the tank, raise temperature to 28°C, use copper-free velvet medication, perform frequent water changes
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen belly, loss of appetite
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- diet
- live/frozen food
- maxSize
- 2 inches
- minTankSize
- 5 gallons
- temperature
- 68–77°F (20–25°C)
Temperature
68–77°F
20–25°C