Korthaus' Nothobranch (Nothobranchius korthausae)

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Korthaus' Nothobranch
Nothobranchius korthausae
Korthaus' Nothobranch (Nothobranchius korthausae)
Name Korthaus' Nothobranch
Name Lat. Nothobranchius korthausae
Family African Rivulines
Family lat. Nothobranchiidae
Order Killifishes & Livebearers
Order lat. Cyprinodontiformes
Origin Tanzania
Habitat Ponds, floodplains
Diet Carnivore
pH 6.0-7.5
Behavior ♂ territorial
Keeping Pair, harem
Care Level Moderate
Reproduction Substrate spawner
Breeding Moderately difficult
Life Span 1-1.5 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 5 cm
Temperature 22-26 °C
Hardness < 10 °dH
Aquarium ~ 60 l
US Units
Size 2"
Temperature 72-79 °F
Hardness < 178 ppm
Aquarium ~ 15 gal

Distribution and habitat

Korthaus splendor ground carps are found in the periodically drying waters on Mafia Island (Zanzibar Archipelago), east of the Rufiji River Delta in Tanzania. They live in floodplains, pools and ditches and have produced several populations that differ in coloration. The picture shows a Red Korthaus magnificent ground carp.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a loose border planting, with hiding places like roots and branches as well as sufficient swimming space without current. A soft, dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and slightly shaded light (floating plants) is ideal. No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed mainly on insects and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micropellets) and with cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They should be kept in pairs or better in a harem, one male with 2-3 females. Males are very territorial within the species, so keeping several pairs or harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with other small, calm and peaceful fish.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The male is slightly larger and much more colorful than the female, which is grayish in color.

Reproduction and breeding

They are called "bottom plowers" or "in-ground spawners" that reproduce during the rainy season (continuous spawners). To spawn, the female nestles close to the male and together they churn up the bottom substrate where spawning occurs. The eggs survive the dry period in the substrate. After 3-5 months (diapause), the fry hatch just a few hours after the first rain. They grow very quickly and are already sexually mature after about 3 weeks.

Important

They are annual killifish that live in waters that periodically dry up completely and die off during the dry season (seasonal fish). Different populations or breeding forms should not be kept together, as they can interbreed (hybridize).

They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered. Foliage (sea almond, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH, and when decaying promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Sylvia Hos; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF