No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Turquoise Killifish
Nothobranchius furzeri
Also known as Turquoise Notho, GRZ Killifish
Animalia›Chordata›Cyprinodontiformes›Nothobranchiidae
Nothobranchius furzeri, commonly known as the Turquoise Killifish, is a small, brilliantly colored annual killifish native to Africa. Males display stunning turquoise and red coloration, making them highly prized by killifish enthusiasts. This species is known for its short lifespan and unique breeding requirements typical of annual killifish.
Where it's from
Native to the Incomati, Limpopo and Save river basins
South Africa and Zimbabwe
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in
- 4 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal
- 19 L
- Temp
- 68–75°F
- 20–24°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 1-2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Turquoise Killifish are carnivorous and require small live foods such as microworms, daphnia, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily. They may accept high-quality frozen foods but prefer live prey for optimal coloration and health.
Behavior
These killifish are active swimmers that occupy all water zones. Males are territorial and aggressive toward each other, requiring individual housing or large tanks with plenty of plants for visual barriers. They are surface feeders and display vibrant colors when kept in optimal conditions.
Breeding
Nothobranchius furzeri are annual killifish with complex breeding requirements. Breeding occurs in peat moss substrate where eggs are laid and must undergo a dry period (diapause) lasting several weeks before being rehydrated. This species requires dedicated breeding setups and is not recommended for beginners.
Tank mates
See all 5Similar size but males may compete; requires careful monitoring
Can be kept together but may hybridize; separate by sex recommended
Similar peaceful temperament and small size
Peaceful algae eater that won't compete for food
May be predated upon; use only in larger tanks with dense plants
Member photos
Photos 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 Turquoise Killifish to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Velvet Disease (Oodinium), Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 26-28 C (79-82 F), perform water changes, use salt or medication if severe
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges
Improve water quality, perform frequent water changes, use antibacterial medication if needed
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), reduce light exposure, use copper-free medication
Bacterial Infection
Ulcers, open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite
Improve water conditions, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in4 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal19 L
- Temp
- 68–75°F20–24°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 1-2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep Turquoise Killifish? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.