Blackspotted nothobranch (Nothobranchius melanospilus)

Scientific name: Nothobranchius melanospilus Pfeffer, 1896

The Blackspotted nothobranch (Nothobranchius melanospilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F).

Blackspotted nothobranch care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: in males, the red caudal fin has narrow black margins at the upper and lower corners, narrow white margin to dorsal and anal fins, and silver iris; in females, flanks with irregularly dispersed black spots and on the basal half of the unpaired fins. This species differs from N. lucius in having a plain red caudal fin with narrow margin at the upper and lower corners in male.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Nothobranchius melanospilus
Family: Nothobranchiidae (African rivulines)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7.5
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: drainage systems of the rivers Umba, Pangani, Wami, Ruvu, Ruhoi and Rufiji in eastern Tanzania; in temporary pools in the northern part of Zanzibar; the Umba and Ramisi drainages in southeastern Kenya.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial