Bluefin Notho
Nothobranchius rachovii
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
2.5 inches
Temperature
68-75°F (20-24°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Lifespan
1 years
About Bluefin Notho
The bluefin notho is a spectacularly colored annual killifish from the seasonal pools and marshes of Mozambique, Tanzania, and surrounding regions of East Africa. Males display an electric blue body covered in red spots and markings, with brilliantly colored fins in red and blue. As an annual species, bluefin nothos have adapted to a life cycle tied to seasonal rainfall. In the wild, adults live in temporary pools that dry up completely during the dry season, but their eggs survive buried in the mud in a state of suspended development called diapause, hatching when the rains return. This compressed life cycle means they grow rapidly, mature quickly, and live for only about one year, even in captivity.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.0
- • Category: Killifish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Carnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Bluefin nothos have a short lifespan of 12-18 months, so expect a compressed life cycle. Keep them in species-only tanks of at least 10 gallons with a peat or coconut fiber substrate for egg deposition. They prefer warm water at 72-75°F with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Males are aggressive toward each other, so keep one male with one or more females. Feed high-quality live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to maintain their vivid coloring. Breeding requires collecting eggs from the substrate and incubating them in damp peat moss for 2-6 months to simulate the dry season. They are not suitable for community tanks due to their aggression and short lifespan.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
6cm
Adult Size (2.5")
1yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Bluefin Notho
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Tank Mates for Bluefin Notho
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
easy · 5+ gal
Longfin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio var.
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Bluefin Notho need?
A Bluefin Notho needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres).
What water parameters does a Bluefin Notho need?
Bluefin Notho thrive in water between 68-75°F (20-24°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Are Bluefin Notho easy to care for?
Bluefin Notho are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 1 years.
How big do Bluefin Notho get and what do they eat?
Bluefin Notho reach about 2.5 inches and are carnivores. Bluefin nothos have a short lifespan of 12-18 months, so expect a compressed life cycle. Keep them in species-only tanks of at least 10 gallons with a peat or coconut fiber substrate for egg deposition. They prefer warm water at 72-75°F with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Males are aggressive toward each other, so keep one male with one or more females. Feed high-quality live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to maintain their vivid coloring. Breeding requires collecting eggs from the substrate and incubating them in damp peat moss for 2-6 months to simulate the dry season. They are not suitable for community tanks due to their aggression and short lifespan.