Bluefin notho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bluefin notho |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Adult male | |
 |
|
| Adult female | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Adiniops rachovii (Ahl, 1926) |
The bluefin notho, also known as Nothobranchius rachovii, is a colorful freshwater fish. It is a type of killifish found in Mozambique, a country in Africa. These fish are special because they are "annual" fish. This means they live for only about a year.
Bluefin nothos can grow up to 6 cm (2.4 inches) long. Many fish lovers enjoy keeping them as pets in aquariums. They often raise them from tiny eggs.
Contents
Discovering the Bluefin Notho
The bluefin notho was officially described in 1926 by a scientist named Ernst Ahl. He named it after Arthur Rachow, a German fish enthusiast. Mr. Rachow had given many fish specimens to a museum in Berlin.
What Does the Bluefin Notho Look Like?
Bluefin nothos are known for their bright colors. The most common type is orange and blue. But there are other cool variations too:
- KNP Black: These fish have much darker colors. They were found in Kruger National Park in South Africa in 1984.
- Var. Red: This type has a red head with shiny turquoise spots.
Female bluefin nothos are usually less colorful than the males. This difference in appearance between males and females is called sexual dimorphism.
Where Do Bluefin Nothos Live?
In the wild, bluefin nothos live in the flat, watery areas of Mozambique. You can find them in the floodplains of the lower Zambezi River and the Pungwe River. These areas often flood and then dry up each year.
What Do Bluefin Nothos Eat?
Bluefin nothos are benthopelagic fish. This means they like to swim and feed near the bottom of the water. They eat tiny animals called zooplankton. They also munch on other small creatures that live in the mud at the bottom, which is called the benthos.
How Do Bluefin Nothos Survive Dry Seasons?
Bluefin nothos live in temporary pools of water. These pools depend on rainfall and dry up every year. To survive, these clever fish lay their eggs in the mud as the water level drops. The eggs are very tough and can wait in the dry mud. When the rain returns and fills the pools again, the eggs hatch! This amazing trick helps them survive in their changing habitat.
Life Cycle of an Annual Fish
Bluefin nothos grow up very quickly. They become adults in about twelve weeks. They live for up to a year or a year and a half. Then, they die at the end of the breeding season. This is why they are called "annual" killifish. Their whole life cycle fits within one year, from egg to adult to egg, before their watery home disappears.
Keeping Bluefin Nothos as Pets
Bluefin nothos are popular in the pet trade. They are often kept in home aquariums.
- Tank Size: A tank of 40–60 litres (10–15 gallons) is a good size for them.
- Tank Mates: Male bluefin nothos can be aggressive towards other males of their own kind. However, they can live peacefully in a community tank with other similar-sized, calm freshwater fish.
