No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Palmqvist's Notho
Nothobranchius palmqvisti
📍 East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania region)
Palmqvist's Notho is a small, colorful killifish native to East Africa, prized by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and unique breeding behavior. These annual killifish are best suited for experienced hobbyists due to their specialized care requirements and short lifespan. They make excellent additions to species-specific or carefully planned community tanks.
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Palmqvist's Notho to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Care Guide
Diet
Palmqvist's Notho are carnivorous and require small live foods such as microworms, fruit flies, and small daphnia. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily. They may accept high-quality frozen foods but live food is strongly preferred for optimal health and coloration.
Behavior
These killifish are active swimmers that occupy all water zones, displaying territorial behavior especially among males. They are generally peaceful toward other species but may chase smaller fish or fry. Males display vibrant colors and elaborate courtship behaviors, making them fascinating to observe.
Breeding
Palmqvist's Notho are annual killifish that breed by laying eggs in substrate or spawning mops. Breeding requires a separate tank with peat moss or spawning medium, cooler temperatures, and careful egg collection and incubation. Eggs must be stored in moist peat for several months before hatching.
Tank Mates
Similar species with comparable care requirements and temperament
Small size may trigger predatory response; monitor closely
Bottom dweller that avoids competition; peaceful interaction
Plant provides cover and spawning substrate
Provides shelter and does not compete for resources
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against surfaces
Increase temperature gradually to 26-28 C (79-82 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper temperature and low ammonia
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins
Use antiparasitic medication, increase water changes, quarantine affected fish; maintain optimal water parameters
Bacterial Infection
Ulcers, sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, perform daily water changes, isolate infected fish; maintain pristine water conditions
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- carnivore - small live foods preferred
- 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)