Bluefin Notho

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Scientific Name

Nothobranchius rachovii

Min. Tank Size

15 gallons

Personality

Peaceful/Males can be territorial

Temperature

68-75°F

pH

6.0-7.5/3-10°dGH

Size

2.25"

Diet

Carnivore/May accept flakes

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Not recommended for the community tank; best kept in a species tank.

Bluefin Notho

Also called the Bluefin Nothobranch, the Bluefin Notho exists in several variants. Most specimens of this species are blue and orange in color, exhibiting vertical dark orange along their vibrant blue bodies. The fins of this species are typically blue with dark orange splotches and the caudal fin is tipped in orange. Females of the species are less brightly colored and the males typically grow larger than females. These fish are native to Mozambique and parts of South Africa where they tend to inhabit temporary bodies of water such as pools, swamps and lowland floodplains.

Tank Set-Up

In the home aquarium, these fish can be kept with peaceful fish of similar size, but are generally not recommended for the community tank. A species tank is the best option. Male Bluefin Nothos can become very aggressive and territorial toward one another, so it is best to keep only one male per tank. Members of the Nothobranchius genus are susceptible to Velvet disease. Although it can be treated, prevention is better than the cure. Therefore, it is important that you don’t overcrowd the tank, perform regular partial water changes, and keep the water clean by not overfeeding.

Feeding

The Bluefin Notho has a particularly fast metabolism and, because they are micropredators, they should be fed small live and frozen foods like Daphnia, Artemia and chopped bloodworms. This should form the basis of their diet. You may have luck getting them to accept flake. Chopped earthworms will also be eagerly accepted. Feeding a variety of live foods will help to ensure optimum health and coloration.

Breeding

In the wild, these fish often die during the dry season and the adults will leave behind fertilized eggs encased in the substrate. These eggs lay dormant until the rainy season returns 5 to 6 months later. During the rainy season, the eggs hatch and the fry grow quickly. In the home aquarium, peat moss is often used to encourage spawning. After breeding has occurred, remove the peat moss from the tank and store it in a plastic bag for several months, opening it once in a while to change the air. After the dry period, rewet the moss and the eggs should hatch and will develop quickly if fed properly.