Rachow's Nothobranch (Nothobranchius rachovii)

A brilliantly coloured annual killifish, sold as single fish

Nothobranchius rachovii is a small annual killifish from seasonal pools in southern Mozambique. In the wild the pools dry out each year and the eggs survive in the mud until the rains return. Males are brilliantly coloured, with a red-orange reticulated pattern over the body and patterned, blue-edged fins; females are smaller and plain. This listing is the natural (non-albino) form; the albino is a separate listing.

This listing sells single, unsexed fish. No particular wild population (locality) is guaranteed.

What you receive

One quantity is one live fish of about 2.5–3.5 cm, unsexed. Buy several if you want males and females; males are the colourful ones.

Aquarium and water

A mature, covered aquarium of about 41 litres with a base of at least 45 × 30 cm, even for a pair, with gentle filtration, plants and a soft substrate. Keep 20–24°C, pH 6.0–7.0 and 4–6 dGH, the overlap of FishBase and Seriously Fish. Annual killifish are short-lived, so plan for breeding if you want to keep the line going.

Feeding

A small predator: feed live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp; some fish learn to take quality micro-pellets.

Tank mates and behaviour

Best in a species aquarium or with other small, calm fish. Males display and can squabble with each other; keep more females than males.

Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish

Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.

1. Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
2. Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
3. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
4. Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.

If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the albino form?

No. This listing is the natural form; the albino is a separate listing.

Is a locality guaranteed?

No. The fish are the species Nothobranchius rachovii; no particular wild population is guaranteed.

Is this a pair?

No. One quantity is one unsexed fish. Order several if you want males and females.

What water does it need?

20–24°C, pH 6.0–7.0 and 4–6 dGH in a mature, covered aquarium.

Public references

• FishBase: Nothobranchius rachovii — identity, native range and size.
• Seriously Fish: Nothobranchius rachovii — aquarium size, water and breeding.
• OATA: How to look after killifish — aquarium set-up, water and feeding guidance.
• RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.