Orthonotus Nothobranch

Nothobranchius orthonotus is a widely distributed annual killifish found across seasonal floodplains in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Males display rich red-orange body colouration with metallic blue scale edging and a boldly patterned caudal fin. The species shows considerable geographic variation in colour intensity, and different populations are sometimes kept by collectors to compare their phenotypic diversity.

As a somewhat larger Nothobranchius, N. orthonotus benefits from a 40 L species tank. Water should be soft and slightly acidic, and peat substrate is essential for spawning. Eggs require a dry incubation period of 8–12 weeks. The species is moderately prolific and produces reasonable numbers of eggs per spawning session.

N. orthonotus is one of the more commonly encountered southern African Nothobranchius in specialist circles, valued for both its attractive colouration and relatively uncomplicated breeding. It serves as a good introduction to the southern African Nothobranchius fauna.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water (GH 2–10). Tank: 40 L species tank with peat substrate; ensure tight-fitting lid. Feeding: Live Artemia, Daphnia, frozen bloodworm, and chopped tubifex; feed daily. Breeding: Collect peat eggs every 3–4 weeks; store dry for 8–12 weeks. Compatibility: Species tank; keep one male per tank with multiple females.