More info
Common Name: Rachov’s Killifish
Scientific Name: Nothobranchius rachovii (Ahl, 1926)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes — Family: Nothobranchiidae
Distribution: East Africa — mainly Mozambique and nearby regions of the Zambezi River basin.
Conservation Status (IUCN): LC — Least Concern
Lifespan: 1–2 years (annual species)
Maximum Adult Size: 5–6 cm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5 — Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Temperature: 22°C – 26°C
Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres, preferably with dim lighting, dark substrate and dense vegetation.
Behaviour & Compatibility:
A relatively peaceful species, although males may display territorial behaviour towards each other. Can be kept in community aquariums with small peaceful fish, but is often maintained in species tanks to facilitate breeding.
Diet:
Carnivore. In the wild feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae and zooplankton. In captivity prefers live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae, though it may accept high-quality dry foods.
Reproduction:
Oviparous. This is an annual killifish that deposits eggs in the substrate or peat. In nature the eggs enter diapause during the dry season and hatch when rains return. Breeding in aquariums is relatively straightforward using peat for egg incubation.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Very pronounced. Males display intense blue and red coloration with iridescent patterns, while females are smaller and much more subdued in colour.
Habitat & Biotope:
Temporary pools and seasonal ponds formed during the rainy season in African savannah regions.
Etymology:
The genus Nothobranchius derives from the Greek nothos (false) and branchia (gills). The species name rachovii honours German aquarist Arthur Rachow.