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Blueband killifish (Nothobranchius rachovii) — Nothobranchiidae

Blueband killifish

Nothobranchius rachovii
LC · Least Concern

The Blueband killifish (Nothobranchius rachovii) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southeastern Africa; depressions on floodplains.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Rachov's notho is an annual killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from southeastern Africa. The male is among the most colourful freshwater fishes, with an orange-red body full of electric-blue stripes; the female is inconspicuous grey-brown. The species lives in water-filled depressions on the floodplains of rivers, with strongly varying water depth. The eggs survive the dry season in the soil. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blueband killifish?

The Blueband killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. One of the most colourful freshwater fishes; annual, the eggs survive the drought in the substrate.

Where does the Blueband killifish live?

The Blueband killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern Africa; depressions on floodplains.

How big does the Blueband killifish get?

The Blueband killifish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blueband killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Blueband killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Blueband killifish edible?

The Blueband killifish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Blueband killifish (Nothobranchius rachovii) — Nothobranchiidae — 2
P.H. Skelton (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Blueband killifish (Nothobranchius rachovii) — Nothobranchiidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Andrew Bogott (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Blueband killifish (Nothobranchius rachovii) — Nothobranchiidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Andrew Bogott (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Blueband killifish (Nothobranchius rachovii) — Nothobranchiidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Andrew Bogott (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blueband killifish verified
Scientific name
Nothobranchius rachovii
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Bluefin notho; Rachow's notho; Rachow's Nothobranch; Rainbow killifish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southeastern Africa; depressions on floodplains. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Midge larvae, small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
One of the most colourful freshwater fishes; annual, the eggs survive the drought in the substrate. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nothobranchius

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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