Rainbow Kilifish — a Nothobranchiidae from 非洲, calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company. Reaches 4.9–7.2 cm; small groups with floating plants for cover. 22–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6–7.2
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
4.9–7.2 cm
Minimum tank
62 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company
Origin
Africa
Species overview
Nothobranchiidae species Nothobranchius rachovii comes from 非洲. An annual-strategy killifish: in nature its pools vanish, so it lives fast and leaves eggs behind. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 4.9–7.2 cm. Small groups with floating plants for cover. Soft water, live foods and a tight lid cover most of what this short-lived jewel asks. Maintain 22–25 °C at pH 6–7.2. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Small groups with floating plants for cover
Diet
Carnivore that prefers live and frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
Other gentle surface fish — Share the quiet upper water
Avoid keeping with
Uncovered tanks — They jump to their doom
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Annual or semi-annual egg-layer; eggs rest in damp substrate