Foersch's Nothobranch

Nothobranchius foerschi is a small annual killifish native to seasonal pools in coastal Tanzania. Males are adorned with vibrant orange-red scales edged with dark reticulations, making them one of the more visually striking members of the genus. Like all Nothobranchius, their natural habitat dries up seasonally, and the species survives through drought-resistant eggs buried in the substrate.

In the aquarium, N. foerschi thrives in a dedicated species tank with a peat or fine sand substrate to allow natural egg-burying behaviour. Water should be soft and slightly acidic, reflecting their native coastal pools. Males will spar frequently so it is best to keep one male with several females, and breeding is easily achieved through peat moss spawning.

This species makes an ideal introduction to annual killifish keeping. Its compact size, manageable care requirements, and stunning colouration have made it a favourite among killifish enthusiasts seeking a less commonly kept Nothobranchius.

Water: 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft water (GH 2–8). Tank: 30 L minimum species tank with peat substrate and a tight-fitting lid. Feeding: Live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, micro worms, and mosquito larvae fed daily. Breeding: Bury peat spawning mop and store eggs in moist peat for 8–10 weeks before re-wetting. Compatibility: Species tank only; do not mix with other Nothobranchius or fin-nipping fish.