Blue Notho
Nothobranchius patrizii
A tiny annual killifish built for life in pools that disappear.
About
The Blue Notho (Nothobranchius patrizii) is one of those species that reminds you just how extraordinary fish can be. Native to coastal lowlands of Kenya and Somalia, with records from the Wabi Shebele basin in Ethiopia, this small killifish has evolved to survive in temporary pools, roadside ditches, and seasonal swamps that simply dry up for part of the year. Like other annual killifish, it completes its entire life cycle in a race against the vanishing water, burying eggs in the substrate to wait out the dry season while the adults perish. That biological drama is a big part of what draws killifish enthusiasts to the group in the first place. In the aquarium, Nothobranchius patrizii is considered a challenging species. Not a fish to start your killifish journey with. Keeping it well requires attention to water quality and conditions, and breeding involves carefully managing the incubation of substrate-spawned eggs through a dry period. The reward for getting it right is a compact, vividly colored fish with a fascinating life history. If you're already comfortable with annual killifish husbandry, this species is a genuinely compelling project, though patience and some trial and error should be expected.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Blue Notho
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Blue Notho get?
- The Blue Notho reaches about 1–2" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Blue Notho need?
- A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for the Blue Notho.
- What water parameters does the Blue Notho need?
- The Blue Notho does best with a temperature of 68–86°F, a pH of 6–7, hardness around 10–25 dGH.
- Is the Blue Notho aggressive?
- The Blue Notho is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Blue Notho eat?
- The Blue Notho is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Blue Notho live?
- With good care, the Blue Notho typically lives 3-5 years.