Redfin killifish

Nothobranchius orthonotus

Family : Nothobranchiidae

FishFreshwaterkillifish

A colorful annual killifish, perfect for species-only aquariums with soft water and short life cycle.

Redfin killifish — photo 1 sur 1 — G. H. Ford · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 1

Popularity

Community fish

classic in freshwater aquarium

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Description

Nothobranchius orthonotus is an annual killifish from temporary wetlands in East Africa. Males display bright red fins and a metallic blue-green body, while females are duller. Their life cycle is adapted to seasonal ponds: they lay eggs that survive the dry season. In aquariums, they rarely live more than a year but breed easily if conditions are met.

Habitat

Region :

Temporary ponds and swamps of East Africa

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature22–26 °C

pH6–7

GH5–10 °dGH

KH2–6 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 10 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

4/5

Diet

Carnivore

Min. tank

30 L

Min. group

Adult size

5 cm

Lifespan

1.5 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Ponte sur substrat (tourbe), œufs à diapause nécessitant une période sèche.

Care notes

Requires soft, acidic water with moderate temperature. A species-only tank of 30 L minimum for a pair. Substrate should be peat or fine sand for spawning. Feed exclusively with live or frozen prey (brine shrimp, daphnia). Eggs can be stored in moist peat for several months before hatching.

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