Mafia killifish

Care at a glance

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.

Related species

• 

  Patrizi's notho

  Nothobranchius patrizii

  2.2 in (5.5 cm)11 gal (40 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Bluefin Notho

  Nothobranchius rachovii

  2.4 in (6 cm)21 gal (80 L)68–75°F (20–24°C)

• 

  Gunther's nothobranch

  Nothobranchius guentheri

  2.4 in (6 cm)11 gal (40 L)72–77°F (22–25°C)
• Palmqvist's notho

  Nothobranchius palmqvisti

  2 in (5 cm)11 gal (40 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Foersch's notho

  Nothobranchius foerschi

  2.2 in (5.5 cm)11 gal (40 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Eggers' notho

  Nothobranchius eggersi

  2 in (5 cm)11 gal (40 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)