Species profile
Rachovii Killifish
Nothobranchius rachovii
Semi aggressive
Hard care
45 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Mid–top
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Annual African killifish adapted to temporary pools. Spectacular but short-lived and best treated as a specialist breeding species.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–7
GH
5–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Mid–top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Best kept species-only with one male to two or more females. Rival males may fight; dense cover is essential if more than one male is kept.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
0.5–1 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
45 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Nothobranchius rachovii
Alternative names
Rachovii Killifish, Bluefin Notho, Rachov's Nothobranch
Native range
South-eastern Africa, particularly Mozambique and adjacent floodplain systems.
Natural habitat
Ephemeral seasonal pools and swamps. In aquaria use soft substrate/peat-style spawning media, dense cover, gentle filtration and a secure lid.
Diet & feeding
Small carnivore/invertivore; feed varied live and frozen foods with suitable high-quality prepared supplements.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are dramatically blue/orange-red and highly coloured; females are smaller and plain grey-brown.
Breeding
Annual substrate spawner. Eggs are buried in peat/mud-like substrate and survive a dry diapause before hatching when rewetted; incubation strategy is central to maintaining the species.