The Bluefin Notho is a stunning freshwater fish that is perfect for beginner aquarists. They are very easy to care for and are very peaceful, making them a great addition to any community tank.
Despite their beauty, Bluefin Nothos are actually quite hardy and can withstand a fair amount of neglect. This makes them perfect for beginner fishkeepers who are still learning the ropes.
In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about Bluefin Notho care. From diet and tank mates, to breeding and lifespan, we’ve got you covered.
Table of contents
Species overview
The bluefin notho (Nothobranchius rachovii) is a species of African killifish that is native to a very small region in central Mozambique. This species is found in the drainage basin of the Zambezi River.
The bluefin notho is a very small fish, only growing to be about 1.5 inches long at most. Despite their small size, they are a very popular aquarium fish due to their beautiful coloration.
These fish are very short-lived, with a lifespan of only 6-8 months. This is something to keep in mind if you are considering adding them to your tank.
Appearance
The Bluefin Notho is a beautiful freshwater fish that is black and white in color. The black coloration covers their entire body except for a single stripe that runs vertically down the center of their sides.
This stripe is usually a light blue or silver color. The fins on this fish are also black except for the tips which are the same color as the stripe down their sides.
The Bluefin Notho has a long and slender body that is slightly flattened from top to bottom. They have a fairly long dorsal fin that starts about halfway back on their body.
The anal fin is shorter than the dorsal fin and also starts about halfway back. Both of these fins are slightly curved and end in a point.
The caudal fin is forked and symmetrical. The pectoral fins are small and round. The ventral fins are thin and long and start about two-thirds of the way back on the body.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a bluefin notho in captivity is typically between 5 and 10 years. These fish are pretty hardy and can withstand a fair amount of abuse.
However, their lifespan can be significantly shortened by poor water quality or a suboptimal diet.
Size
The Bluefin Notho can grow to be about 4 inches long.
Tank
Tank Size
The recommended minimum tank size for Bluefin Nothos is 30 gallons. If you’re looking for a smaller freshwater fish, this is a good option.
Bluefin Nothos are a schooling fish so you’ll want to keep at least 5 or 6 fish together. If you have the room, we recommend a tank size of 50 gallons or more.
Water Parameters
Bluefin Nothos are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that make a great addition to most freshwater aquariums. They’re relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know about their preferred water parameters.
Bluefin Nothos are native to slow-moving rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. The water in their natural habitat is typically soft and acidic.
You can maintain a Bluefin Notho in a wide range of water parameters, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, these fish are sensitive to sudden changes. Second, they prefer slightly warmer water than most other freshwater fish.
Here are a few guidelines to help you create a comfortable environment for your Bluefin Notho.
- Water temperature: 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH levels: 6.2 to 7.2
- Water hardness: 2 to 10 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 4-8 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
When it comes to the inside of their tank, Bluefin Nothos are pretty easy to please. They’re not too picky about the substrate and can get by with a gravel or sand bottom.
The one thing that we recommend including are some plants. These fish love to hide amongst vegetation, so the more plants you have the better.
Some great choices include Hornwort, Water Wisteria, or Java Moss. These plants are tough enough to handle any punishment your fish might dish out and will provide them with the hiding spots they crave.
You can also add some driftwood or rocks to their habitat as well. These will provide some additional surfaces for algae to grow on and give your fish somewhere to hide. Just be sure that any rocks you use are smooth and won’t damage their delicate fins.
Common Diseases
The Bluefin Notho is a hardy little fish that doesn’t seem to be too prone to disease. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t get sick.
As with any other fish, poor water quality is the number one cause of disease in Bluefin Nothos. If the water in their tank isn’t clean and well-maintained, they’re much more likely to fall ill.
The most common disease you’ll see in these fish is ich. This is a parasites that can cause a lot of problems if it’s not dealt with quickly.
The good news is that ich is relatively easy to treat. As long as you catch it early, a simple medication should be all you need to clear it up.
Of course, the best way to prevent your Bluefin Notho from getting sick is to simply keep their tank clean. A well-maintained aquarium with stable water conditions is the best defense against disease.
Behavior & Temperament
The Bluefin Notho is a peaceful community fish that does best in groups. They are quick and agile, so they can out-swim most potential predators. When they are in a group, they will often school together and swim in unison.
Thisfish is known to be a great beginner fish because they are very low-maintenance. They are not picky eaters and will often eat whatever food is available to them.
The Bluefin Notho is a peaceful community fish that does best in groups. They are quick and agile, so they can out-swim most potential predators. When they are in a group, they will often school together and swim in unison.
This fish is known to be a great beginner fish because they are very low-maintenance. They are not picky eaters and will often eat whatever food is available to them.
Tank Mates
Bluefin nothos are peaceful community fish. They do well with other small fish that occupy different parts of the water column.
Nothos are bottom-dwellers and prefer to stay close to the substrate. As a result, you don’t need to worry about them bothering fish that stay near the top of the tank.
Some compatible tank mates include:
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Danios
- Corydoras
- Mollies
- Platies
Breeding
The bluefin notho is a relatively easy fish to breed in captivity. All you need is a pair of adult fish and a suitable breeding tank.
As with most fish, the male and female nothos will have different coloration. The males are typically more brightly colored than the females.
To trigger spawning, set up a breeding tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. The water should be well-filtered and have a sponge filter. The water temperature should be between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
When ready, add one male and one female to the breeding tank. If everything goes according to plan, the female should start laying eggs within a few days.
The eggs will be fertilized by the male and will hatch within 3-5 days. At this point, you can remove the adults from the breeding tank.
The fry will be very small and will need to be fed live foods such as baby brine shrimp or microworms. As they grow, you can start to introduce them to flakes or pellets.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Notho is a great fish for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. They’re relatively easy to care for and are very peaceful, making them a good addition to community tanks.
They’re also very attractive fish, with their blue and white coloration.
Overall, we think the Bluefin Notho is a great choice for anyone looking for a new fish for their tank.
