Small scaled nothobranch (Nothobranchius microlepis)

Scientific name: Nothobranchius microlepis Vinciguerra, 1897

The Small scaled nothobranch (Nothobranchius microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–30°C (73–86°F). Native range: Africa, Kenya and Somalia. Reported from the Wabi Shebele basin in Ethiopia.

Small scaled nothobranch care at a glance

Temperature: 23–30°C (73–86°F)

Biology

Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-20; Anal soft rays: 17 - 20. Distinguished from all other species of the genus by its humpback, convex dorsal profile and concave transition between head and body along dorsal midline, numerous small and irregularly set scales in the longitudinal series, 26-30 gill-rakers in contrast to 12-15 in other species, long and closely set, dark vertical bar through the eye, uniform drab male color pattern, and courting behavior.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Nothobranchius microlepis
Family: Nothobranchiidae (African rivulines)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Kenya and Somalia. Reported from the Wabi Shebele basin in Ethiopia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial