Spotted killifish (Nothobranchius orthonotus)

Scientific name: Nothobranchius orthonotus Peters, 1844

The Spotted killifish (Nothobranchius orthonotus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–30°C (73–86°F). Native range: Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Populations are threatened by destruction of pans and by anti-malarial and tsetse fly spraying programs.

Spotted killifish care at a glance

Temperature: 23–30°C (73–86°F)

Biology

Found on temporary pools, floodplains, swamps, rice fields, ditches and small streams. 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. Used for mosquito larva control. Collection for the aquarium trade is controlled. Bottom spawner, 3-5 months incubation. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Nothobranchius orthonotus
Family: Nothobranchiidae (African rivulines)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Populations are threatened by destruction of pans and by anti-malarial and tsetse fly spraying programs.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial