Rachow's Nothobranch (Nothobranchius rachovii)
| Rachow's Nothobranch Nothobranchius rachovii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Rachow's Nothobranch |
| Name Lat. | Nothobranchius rachovii |
| Family | African Rivulines |
| Family lat. | Nothobranchiidae |
| Order | Killifishes & Livebearers |
| Order lat. | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Origin | Southern Africa |
| Habitat | Ponds, floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 1-1.5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | < 10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | < 178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Rachow's splendid ground carps are common in the periodically drying waters of the savannas between Kruger National Park (South Africa) and north of the Zambezi Delta (Mozambique). They live in pools, ditches and floodplains and have produced several populations that differ in coloration.
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 territorial within the species, therefore keeping several pairs or harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. Keeping them in a species tank is ideal. However, they can also be socialized well with other small, calm and peaceful fish. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is more colorful and slightly larger than the female.
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 5-7 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: Werner Winter; 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