How long does the Bluefin Notho live?

In captivity, this species typically lives around 6-12 months. As an annual killifish adapted to temporary pools that dry up in the dry season, it has a much faster generational turnover than most aquarium fish.

Is this species suitable for beginners?

It's generally considered suited to intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with water quality management and killifish temperament helps ensure a smooth keeping experience.

Can it be kept with other fish?

Males tend to be territorial, so keeping it alone or pairing it with calm, small tankmates tends to work best. Compatibility should be assessed carefully and introduced gradually.

How large does it grow?

Adults reach a compact 5.5-6cm in size. Its small size makes it relatively easy to house in modest tank space.

Can it be bred in captivity?

It naturally lays eggs in the substrate, and providing a peat moss spawning medium in captivity makes it easier to observe this behavior. Since the eggs require a dry incubation period before hatching, prospective breeders should research proper egg-handling methods beforehand.

Bluefin Notho

The Bluefin Notho (Nothobranchius rachovii) is a striking annual killifish, its blue-green body crossed with a fine red netting pattern and set off by a fiery red tail fin. Native to temporary pools that dry up during the dry season, it lives on a compressed timeline, growing and coloring up quickly even in captivity. Males display especially vivid, high-contrast color, making them stand out in any tank. Though somewhat territorial, they're manageable when kept alone or in small groups, and their intense coloring paired with a short, dramatic life cycle has made them a favorite both as an entry point into killifish keeping and as a rewarding species for more experienced hobbyists.

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Bluefin Notho key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 6-12 months in aquaria
Size: 5.5-6cm
Temperature: 20〜24℃
Diet: Daphnia, Artemia, chopped frozen bloodworm
Tank: Seriously Fish suggests a 45 x 30cm base of about 41 litres. Peat is not essential, but peat moss is widely used as a spawning medium.
Water Temperature & Quality: Seriously Fish gives 20-24C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 3-10dGH. FishBase records 20-24C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 4-6dH in the wild.
Tank Mates: Seriously Fish states that it is not a community fish and assumes a species tank. The recommended social grouping is a pair.
Diet & Feeding: A micropredator. Base the diet on small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and chopped bloodworm.
Breeding & Spawning: It spawns into the substrate. Collected eggs are stored at 21.1-25C for five to seven months and then wetted to hatch. Fry grow fast and mature at about three weeks.
Health & Notes: FishBase describes it as very difficult to maintain in aquaria. The aquarium lifespan is six to twelve months, and lines from different localities are kept apart under collection codes to avoid hybridisation. IUCN status is Least Concern.

TraitsKillifishAnnual fishFreshwater fishIntermediate

About Bluefin Notho

Nothobranchius rachovii, the Bluefin Notho, is a short-lived annual killifish with a blue-green body, red netting pattern, and vivid red tail fin. Reaching 5.5-6cm, it lives 6-12 months and suits intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Bluefin Notho

1A Short-Lived Annual Fish
Nothobranchius rachovii is an annual killifish adapted to temporary pools that dry up in the dry season, so even in captivity it typically lives only 6-12 months. Rather than expecting longevity, plan to enjoy its vivid colors within that shorter window.
2Tank Size for a Compact Fish
Adults reach only about 5.5-6cm, so a single fish or a small group can be kept in a modestly sized tank. Males can be territorial toward each other, so use plants or decor to break sightlines if keeping more than one.
3Avoid Sudden Water Changes
While tolerant of the variable water conditions of its native temporary pools, this species can be sensitive to sudden shifts in pH or temperature. Make water changes gradual and in small amounts.
4Cover the Tank to Prevent Jumping
Like many killifish, it may jump when startled. Always keep a secure, gap-free lid on the tank.
5Territorial Temperament and Tankmates
Males often show territorial behavior toward other males of the same or related species, so single-fish or spacious setups work best. If considering tankmates, choose calm, small species and introduce them gradually.
6Prepare a Spawning Substrate
This species lays eggs in the substrate, so providing a fine peat moss spawning medium lets you observe natural breeding behavior in captivity. Eggs typically require a dry incubation period before hatching, so research proper egg management if you plan to breed them.
7Set Up Before Bringing One Home
Because of its short lifespan, prepare the tank, water conditions, and hiding spots before bringing your fish home so it can settle in right away. Acclimate it carefully after arrival to avoid sudden environmental shock.

Frequently asked questions about Bluefin Notho

Q.How long does the Bluefin Notho live?: A.In captivity, this species typically lives around 6-12 months. As an annual killifish adapted to temporary pools that dry up in the dry season, it has a much faster generational turnover than most aquarium fish.
Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?: A.It's generally considered suited to intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with water quality management and killifish temperament helps ensure a smooth keeping experience.
Q.Can it be kept with other fish?: A.Males tend to be territorial, so keeping it alone or pairing it with calm, small tankmates tends to work best. Compatibility should be assessed carefully and introduced gradually.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.Adults reach a compact 5.5-6cm in size. Its small size makes it relatively easy to house in modest tank space.
Q.Can it be bred in captivity?: A.It naturally lays eggs in the substrate, and providing a peat moss spawning medium in captivity makes it easier to observe this behavior. Since the eggs require a dry incubation period before hatching, prospective breeders should research proper egg-handling methods beforehand.