MALE Nothobranchius orthonotus, image by Paul Barrow

Nothobranchius orthonotus    (Peters, 1844)
Synonyms:  Nothobranchius mayeri
Common Name: Dusky Nothobranchius
Other Common Name: Spotted Killifish
Family: Nothobranchiidae
Continent: Africa
Distribution: widespread throughout South East Africa
Habitat: temporary pools but can stray into heavily planted region of rivers
Food: Any live food such as bloodworm, glassworm, brine shrimp and whiteworm - don't feed too much daphnia as the nutritional value is low.
Water Temperature: 24-26°C
Water Chemistry: pH 5.5-7.0
FBAS Size:  Males [60mm]    Females [45mm]
FBAS Class: F
Temperament: aggressive; keep in pair or trios (two females)
Aquarium Size: 25cm or longer
Gender Differences: males are bigger, very colourful and have large fins; females generally brown, sometimes with dark spots.
Breeding:  breed readily in aquaria; they are annual fish, needing a layer of peat in which to spawn
Additional Information: As egg buriers, they will need a layer of peat or very fine sand in which to lay their eggs. Can be difficult species to maintain for any period of time.  
See: Preparing Peat for the Aquarium, Uses of Aquarium Peat & Killifish Data

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