Spotted killifish (Nothobranchius orthonotus) fish species and information / pictures of Spotted killifish - Nothobranchius orthonotus

Spotted killifish (Nothobranchius orthonotus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Nothobranchius orthonotus

Common Name
Spotted killifish

Biology
Found on temporary pools, floodplains, swamps, rice fields, ditches and small streams (Ref. 3788). A slow-moving fish usually found in sections of a river where aquatic vegetation provide some cover (probably as a means of avoiding predators). Feeds on mosquito larvae, small crustaceans and other aquatic organisms (Ref. 6465). Used for mosquito larva control. Collection for the aquarium trade is controlled (Ref. 7248). Bottom spawner, 3-5 months incubation. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139).

Classification

Classified By

Peters, 1844

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines (Cyprinodontiformes)

Family

African rivulines (Nothobranchiidae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Populations are threatened by destruction of pans and by anti-malarial and tsetse fly spraying programs (Ref. 7248).

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

23 °C

Water Temperature To

30 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic; non-migratory

Trophic Level

3.26 s.e. 0.40 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

10.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

Unknown

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)