Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Rachow's Nothobranch
Nothobranchius rachovii Ahl, 1926
Also called Bluefin notho, Bluefin nothobranch, Rainbow nothobranch
From South-east Africa: seasonal pools and swamps on the floodplains of the lower Pungwe and lower Zambezi rivers in Mozambique, near Beira.123
At a glance the quick version
Seriously Fish 5.5 cm SL; FishBase and Wikipedia 6 cm TL
Seriously Fish: 6-12 months in captivity; Wikipedia: up to about 1.5 years. A naturally short-lived annual fish
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, stocky annual killifish
A small killifish with strong differences between the sexes: males are vividly patterned in orange and blue, while females are more neutral in colour.13
Personality what they are like
Males are feisty with one another. It is best kept in a species tank, though some keepers house it with similar-sized peaceful fish such as pencilfish or kuhli loaches.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Grows and matures quickly and does well in a heavily planted tank.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Soft, slightly acidic water suits it. Breeders store the eggs out of water for months, then add water to start hatching.12
Home where they are happiest
Minimum tank base about 45 x 30 cm (around 40 litres; Wikipedia suggests 40-60 litres). Temperature 20-24 °C, pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 3-10 dGH. Plenty of plants.123
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and chopped bloodworm.1
Company who they like around
Males are aggressive towards other males, so it is usually kept in pairs.13
The story where it all began
Ernst Ahl described it in 1926 from Beira, Mozambique. It is named after Arthur Rachow, a German aquarist who helped bring many fish to scientists in Berlin.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In the wild its pools dry out each year; its eggs wait buried in the mud until the next rains bring water back.3
- 2
Eggs need about 5-7 months in damp storage before they are ready to hatch.1
- 3
Young fish mature remarkably fast: in about 3 weeks according to Seriously Fish, or about 12 weeks according to FishBase.4
- 4
The genus name Nothobranchius means 'false gill' in Greek.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed January 2019)2
- Taxonomy
- Family Nothobranchiidae; described by Ernst Ahl in 1926 with Beira, Mozambique as type locality3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rachow's Nothobranch. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rachow's Nothobranch?
Feed your Rachow's Nothobranch small amounts once or twice daily, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. Offer small live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and chopped bloodworm. This keeps them healthy and active.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Rachow's Nothobranch eat, and what should it never eat?
Rachow's Nothobranch eats small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and chopped bloodworm. The input does not specify what to never feed, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on safe foods.1
How much space does a Rachow's Nothobranch need?
A Rachow's Nothobranch needs a minimum tank base of about 45 x 30 cm, around 40 to 60 litres. Provide plenty of plants for them to feel secure and active.132
What temperature, light or water does a Rachow's Nothobranch need?
Keep the water temperature between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and hardness of 3 to 10 dGH. Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal, and a heavily planted tank suits them well.132
How often should I clean a Rachow's Nothobranch's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25% and a weekly glass clean. Also test the water weekly and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Rachow's Nothobranch live with others?
Males are feisty with each other, so it is best kept in a species tank or in pairs. Some keepers house them with similar-sized peaceful fish like pencilfish or kuhli loaches, but caution is needed.13
How long does a Rachow's Nothobranch live?
Rachow's Nothobranch has a short lifespan of 6 months to 1.5 years. They grow and mature quickly, so enjoy their vibrant colors while they last.13
Can I handle a Rachow's Nothobranch?
The input does not mention handling. As a small fish, it is best not to handle them; ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on safe interaction.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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American FlagfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish: Nothobranchius rachovii seriouslyfish.comused for range, size, tank, water, diet, behaviour, lifespan, egg storage, maturity
- FishBase: Nothobranchius rachovii, Bluefin notho fishbase.seused for author and year, habitat, length, environment, IUCN status, etymology
- Wikipedia: Nothobranchius rachovii en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, colours and forms, history, lifespan, aquarium notes, life cycle
- seriouslyfish.com seriouslyfish.com
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.