Mafia killifish
Nothobranchius korthausae
Also known as Korthaus' notho, Mafia Island killifish, Red Mafia killifish, Nothobranchius korthasae, Korthasae killi
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 5.8–6.5
- Adult size
- 2 in
- 5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Easy
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Nothobranchiidae
- Origin
- Endemic to Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania, where it lives in pools, ditches, and small streams that shrink in the dry season.
Overview
A pair or trio does well in a 38 litre planted species tank at 22 to 26 C and soft, acidic water of pH 5.8 to 6.5. It tolerates its own kind better than most nothos, so a small group can share a tank. Feed live and frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm, and micro worm. Change 20 to 30 percent of the water regularly to keep it healthy.
In the wild
This dwarf notho is found only on Mafia Island, in shallow seasonal waters over soft ground. Males come in a red form and a yellow form, both with fine dark markings. A planted 38 litre tank with a soft substrate, dim light, and a secure lid suits a small group.
Good to know
Nothobranchius korthausae is endemic to a single small island, which makes it vulnerable to habitat change. It is one of the smaller and more forgiving annual nothos, often recommended as a first species in the genus. Two natural colour forms, red and yellow, occur.
Did you know
Because it is easy to keep, feed, and spawn, hobbyists often suggest it as the best Nothobranchius for someone trying annual killifish for the first time.
Common questions
What size tank does a Mafia killifish need?
A Mafia killifish needs at least 10 gal (38 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Mafia killifish need?
A Mafia killifish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 5.8–6.5.
How big does a Mafia killifish get?
An adult Mafia killifish reaches about 2 in (5 cm).
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