Black Spotted Nothobranch, (Nothobranchius melanospilus) — 2,5-3,5cm

Overview

The Black Spotted Nothobranch (Nothobranchius melanospilus), also known as the Blackspotted Nothobranch, is a striking, short-lived annual killifish native to Kenya and Tanzania, where it inhabits temporary pools and floodplains, rice fields, swamps, ditches, and small streams. Reaching 3.5cm in length, this semi-aggressive species is prized for its bold spotting and fascinating breeding behavior. Available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this rare species rewards dedicated aquarists with captivating displays and unique breeding challenges.

Appearance and Coloration

The Black Spotted Nothobranch displays striking colouration with a compact, robust body adorned in vivid blues, reds, and yellows with distinctive bold black spots scattered across the body and fins—hence the common name. Males are intensely coloured with pronounced finnage and a bold presence, especially during courtship. The scales shimmer with metallic iridescence under subdued lighting. Females are smaller, plumper, and more subdued in colour with less pronounced spotting and shorter finnage. In a planted tank with dark substrate, the bold spots become even more visible and eye-catching.

Natural Habitat

Nothobranchius melanospilus is found in Kenya and Tanzania, where it inhabits temporary pools and floodplains, rice fields, swamps, ditches, and small streams. These habitats fill with water during the wet season and dry completely or nearly dry during the dry season. The water is typically soft, slightly acidic to neutral, and well-vegetated, with a substrate of mud and organic debris. During the wet season, adults spawn rapidly; as pools dry, adults perish while eggs remain dormant in dried substrate, hatching when rains return months later.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 40-litre aquarium is recommended for a pair or small group of Black Spotted Nothobranch. Use a fine sand or soft peat substrate to replicate the natural spawning medium. Include live plants such as Cryptocoryne, Java moss, and floating species like Salvinia or Limnobium. Provide spawning mops or peat moss for egg deposition. Lighting should be subdued, and filtration gentle to avoid strong currents. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential. Maintain excellent water quality, as annual killifish are sensitive to pollution.

Feeding and Diet

As a carnivore, Nothobranchius melanospilus requires a varied, protein-rich diet to maintain health and colour. Offer a varied diet of live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and quality carnivore micro-pellets daily. Small frequent feedings are best. Feed small portions twice daily, removing uneaten food promptly to maintain pristine water quality. Variety and freshness are critical for optimal health and maintaining the bold spotted colouration.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Black Spotted Nothobranch is a semi-aggressive species that spends most of its time exploring the lower and middle water column. Males can be territorial towards each other, especially during courtship and spawning, with displays of flared fins and bold colour. Serious aggression is usually limited to conspecifics. These fish have a naturally short lifespan of typically 6-12 months, reflecting their annual biology. They appreciate a dimly lit aquarium with plenty of cover and territorial boundaries.

Suitable Tank Mates

Nothobranchius melanospilus is best kept species-only or with very carefully chosen small, peaceful tankmates in a larger setup. Shrimp and snails may be eaten. Avoid large fish, aggressive fish, fin-nipping species, very active competitive feeders, and species requiring warm, hard, alkaline water. A calm, quiet environment is essential for this annual killifish to thrive.

Breeding

This annual killifish lays eggs in peat or fine spawning media. Condition a pair or small group with high-quality live foods, then provide spawning media such as peat moss or fine sand. Eggs typically require a drying/incubation period before hatching, and adults are short-lived. Collect eggs carefully and store in slightly damp peat in a sealed container. Fry hatch when the peat is re-flooded and require infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp. Breeding success depends on careful egg management and clean, stable conditions.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a trusted UK supplier of rare and specialist tropical fish, including hard-to-find annual killifish species like Nothobranchius melanospilus. We guarantee healthy, well-conditioned stock, expert care advice, and secure nationwide delivery. Every fish is quarantined and inspected before dispatch, ensuring you receive only the finest specimens. Whether you're setting up a dedicated killifish tank or adding a rare species to your collection, Tropical Fish Co offers unmatched quality and customer service. Order online today and experience the beauty of East African annual killifish.