Killifish
Nothobranchius furzeri original Ghona Re Zhou population
Nothobranchius furzeri original Ghona Re Zhou population
Nothobranchius furzeri  Moz 99/6. The red-tailed strains of furzeri were first collected in Mozambique in 1999.
Nothobranchius furzeri Moz 99/6. The red-tailed strains of furzeri were first collected in Mozambique in 1999.
Nothobranchius furzeri Ghona Re Zhou
Nothobranchius furzeri Ghona Re Zhou
Current Scientific Name:
Nothobranchius furzeri
Described: Jubb, 1971
Common name(s):
Distribution: Mozambique, Zimbabwe
Some Recorded Strains:
Combomune MZHL 05-2
Gona Re Zhou
MOZ 04-13 Mazimechopes River
MOZ 99-4
MOZ 99-6

Nothobranchius furzeri is one of the most tricky Nothos. It is aggressive, canibalistic, very short lived, and the eggs develop unpredictably.

Because this fish lives such a short time (3-9 months) it grows quickly, needing a lot of food. Failure to provide it will result in the largest fish eating some of the others

Eggs develop far less uniformly than other nothos; usually some will develop almost immediately (2 weeks), with the others taking anything up to 6 months (or even longer under specific storage conditions)

Both red and yellow phases exist, with some populations throwing up mixed hatches. There were interesting behavioural differences in the mixed fry, with the reds showing considerably more aggression than the yellows

Read more about Nothobranchius furzeri in my killiblog.

Breeding Nothobranchius furzeri

Have you had any experience breeding this species? Why not fill in a species questionaire
5 other fishkeepers have successfully bred this species and left reports, their results are sumarised below

Method:
Peat (or similar) spawning substrate (100%)

Water Conditions:
Neutral (86%)
Moderately hard and alkaline (14%)

Temperature:
24-27°C (100%)

Read the full breeding report(s) for Nothobranchius furzeri


Nothobranchius furzeri (aff) MOZ 99-4 flaring its gills
Nothobranchius furzeri (aff) MOZ 99-4 flaring its gills
Nothobranchius furzeri Mazimechopes River MOZ 04-13
Nothobranchius furzeri Mazimechopes River MOZ 04-13
Nothobranchius furzeri Mazimechopes River MOZ 04-13
Nothobranchius furzeri Mazimechopes River MOZ 04-13
Nothobranchius furzeri  Combomune MZHL 05-2
Nothobranchius furzeri Combomune MZHL 05-2
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Norman??s Lampeye Killifish (Poropanchax normani), Tank-Bred!

Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12

* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air   If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *
 
This small fish is very peaceful and ideal for both beginners and experts alike, plus it is an excellent addition to the planted aquarium!
The Norman??s Lampeye Killifish (Poropanchax normani) is a peaceful fish whose small size makes it absolutely perfect for the nano or planted ... more

Red Cap Medaka Ricefish aka Japanese Ricefish / Killifish (Oryzias latipes "Red Ca

Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$66

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The Red Cap Medaka Ricefish is an extremely rare and lovely variant of its species!
 
The Red Cap Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes ??Red Cap??), also known as the Japanese Ricefish or Japanese Killifish, is an extraordinarily adaptable fish species. This schooling fish can be the ... more

2 oz Grindal worm starter culture LIVE fish food for betta fry killifish & more

Ardenvoir, Washington, 988**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13

Grindal worms are small cousins to earthworms, and appeal to many species of fish, and fish fry, and are very easy to raise! You will receive a 2 oz portion cup of soil less media filled with live grindal worms, as well as detailed instructions to get your colony going and reproducing quickly. Also check out our other live fish food items, as well as heirloom seeds for the gardener in you!... more

Nothobranchius furzeri breeding reports

Each record reproduced here represents one instance of breeding this species. Have you kept and bred Nothobranchius furzeri? Why not add a breeding report? If you had different results, or used different methods, please share your experiences

How to keep and breed Nothobranchius furzeri

This database consists of breeding reports provided by the world killifish community, along with some statistical analysis. Results provided by successful keepers are aggregated in the bar charts below, with more detailed reports below that. Like any block of data, the larger the more significant. Please contribute a report of your attempt to breed Nothobranchius furzeri, even if you have had a negative results. You may, of course, file more than one report, particularly if you change some condition, and had a different result.

breeders have filled in breeding reports, a summary of the results are shown in the graphs below.

Would Nothobranchius furzeri be a good addition to a community tank?

graph1
  1. Never
  2. Doubtful, only with VERY calm fish
  3. Only with species of similar size
  4. Yes, a good community fish

How would you describe the disposition of Nothobranchius furzeri?

graph2
  1. Very timid
  2. Slightly timid
  3. Neutral
  4. Somewhat aggressive on occasions
  5. Very aggressive

In which water conditions do you keep these fish?

graph3
  1. Very soft and acidic
  2. Moderately soft and acidic
  3. Neutral
  4. Moderately hard and alkaline
  5. Very hard and alkaline

At what average temperature?

graph4
  1. 10-15°C
  2. 16-19°C
  3. 20-23°C
  4. 24-27°C
  5. 28°C+

What, if any is the biggest difficulty encountered when breeding these fish?

graph5
  1. Poor egg production
  2. Poor egg survival
  3. Poor fry survival rate
  4. Deformities
  5. Skewed sex ratio

How would you describe sex ratios when breeding Nothobranchius furzeri?

graph6
  1. Almost all males
  2. Somewhat male heavy
  3. Roughly equal
  4. Somewhat female heavy
  5. Almost all females

In general, how difficult is Nothobranchius furzeri to keep and breed?

graph7
  1. Very easy
  2. Easy
  3. Average
  4. Difficult
  5. Very difficult

How successful have you been at breeding Nothobranchius furzeri?

graph8
  1. Very unsuccessful
  2. Fairly unsuccessful
  3. Average
  4. Fairly successful
  5. Very successful

Very successful / fairly successful

Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Neutral, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Breeding problems: Poor fry survival rate
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Very difficult
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: The species is extremely short-lived (three months on average) and the fry exceptionally fast growing. It is very easy to stunt their growth and then the result is low productivity, but if properly fed and with good water quality (daily changes) they are quite productive. The breeding window is also very short just a few weeks. The fish live longer if kept at lower temperatures (22?C). The incubation time is very erratic and if the eggs are incubated too long the fry are weak and many die. The eggs should be checked regularly (every month). In general, it is a challenging fish. If all things are done properly they grow nicely and are productive spawners, but it is unforgiving of any mistake.
Breeder: (3 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 13th March 2005
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Moderately hard and alkaline, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Breeding problems: Poor egg survival
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty:
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: The biggest problem with this species (for me) in the variability of development in eggs. Traditional wisdom says a long inc time, but many people have found that some eggs develop in weeks rather than months. I recently searched througfh a 1 month old bag of eggs. Found a few eyed up. Didn't have time to hatch them, so waited 10 days. When I came to wet them, none hatched - all dead. The eggs develop at almost any time between 1 and 6 months, and often don't survive long. To suceed with these, you must wet peat regularly, or at least find the eyed eggs and hatch asap
Breeder: jules, UK (5 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 3rd December 2005
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Neutral, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Breeding problems: Poor egg survival
Sex ratio: Somewhat male heavy
Breeding difficulty: Difficult
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: For the first time I decided to keep a batch together rather than split up the pairs. I have about 7 males and 4 females in a 18 * 22 * 12 tank - lightly planted. The largest male quickly outgrew the others and then snuffed it. Theres always one. The others are doing fine - they are boisterous but the tank is square (ish) with no obvious terrotories, and so they seem to get on fine. They are ALWAYS hungry though - well and truly outeating all my other killies
Breeder: jules, uk (6 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 17th February 2006
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Neutral, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Difficult
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: I had a good hatch of furzeri earlier an the year. As usual a couple males quickly outgrew the rest, and when I saw a 2cm fish swimming along with a 1cm fishes tail hanging out, I knew I was too slow to split them. However split them I did - I found that all the really small fish (the ones that would have been eaten) grew to be mostly females. The slowest growing fish (as usual) lived by far the longest - and in fact I still have 1 male and 6 females. All the quick growing alpha males died months back. Being top dog really does seem to shorten the lifespan of nothos! water was ro/tapwater blend to 300ppm
Breeder: jules, UK (7 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 3rd September 2006
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Neutral, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Difficult
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: I raised 20-25 in a group - separating the top male as soon as he looked big enough to eat the smallest siblings. I also removed the 4 smallest fish and raised them separately. I then bred them as 4 trios (in 18x10x10s) and a large group of 6-8 males with 2 females (in a 24"x18"x15"). Fairly peaceful - the largest males in the large group continually displayed, sparred and mouth wrestled nothing life threatening - although most had damaged mouths after a while. One or two smaller males subdued their colours, and to all purposes acted as females - avoiding confrontation with the larger males. The sparring could be reduced by lowering light levels on the tank. All four males kept in the trios (and therefore away from other males) had undamaged mouths.
Breeder: jules, UK (7 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 3rd September 2007
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Neutral, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Difficult
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: I raised 20-25 in a group - separating the top male as soon as he looked big enough to eat the smallest siblings. I also removed the 4 smallest fish and raised them separately. I then bred them as 4 trios (in 18x10x10s) and a large group of 6-8 males with 2 females (in a 24"x18"x15"). Fairly peaceful - the largest males in the large group continually displayed, sparred and mouth wrestled nothing life threatening - although most had damaged mouths after a while. One or two smaller males subdued their colours, and to all purposes acted as females - avoiding confrontation with the larger males. The sparring could be reduced by lowering light levels on the tank. All four males kept in the trios (and therefore away from other males) had undamaged mouths.
Breeder: jules, UK (7 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 3rd September 2007
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions: Neutral, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Breeding problems: Poor fry survival rate
Sex ratio: Somewhat male heavy
Breeding difficulty: Average
Success: Fairly successful
Other Comments: these fish must be well fed, or the larger fry eat the smaller very quickly. Best to separate larger individuals and don't keep them in too bright conditions
Breeder: (5 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 3rd October 2007

Average success

Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Water conditions: Moderately hard and alkaline, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Very difficult
Success: Average
Other Comments: I found these fish to be aggressive; a tank of fish can be quickly reduced to shreds by one individual. The much smaller females (because they are continually outcompeted for food?) are harassed all day long. The fry are large and quick growing. I've found most eyed up eggs after 6-7 months
Breeder: (1 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 13th August 2002
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Water conditions: Moderately hard and alkaline, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Sex ratio: Somewhat male heavy
Breeding difficulty: Very difficult
Success: Average
Other Comments: The higher proportion of males may just be down to aggression against the females
Breeder: (2 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 13th August 2002
Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Water conditions: Very hard and alkaline, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Other (see below)
Breeding problems: Poor egg survival
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Difficult
Success: Average
Breeder: (4 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 30th May 2004

Unsuccessful

Breeding Report: Nothobranchius furzeri
Location code: Gona Re Zhou
Water conditions:, 24-27oC
Spawning Method: Peat (or similar) spawning substrate
Breeding problems: Poor fry survival rate
Sex ratio: Roughly equal
Breeding difficulty: Very difficult
Success: Fairly unsuccessful
Other Comments: Habitats in Moz differ from that in Zim. Fish addapt easy to any tank, but grow fast (eating each other). Usually found with Orthonotus and/or Rachovi.
Breeder: Johan Jordaan, South Africa (5 years experience with this species)
Date this record created: 25th May 2007
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San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$23

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Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$18

* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air   If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout * 
This fairly uncommon lampeye killifish is a real standout due to its iridescent blue-green horizontal striping!  
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Erie, Pennsylvania, 165**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12


THE TULLIBEE - THE GRAYLING - THE STRIPED KILLIFISH Print
This print was taken from an antique book copyright 1902
Size of print: 9 1 / 2" x 6"
Would be a great print framed!!!
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Bethel, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5

[75687] AMERICAN KILLIFISH ASSOCIATION "KILLIE NOTES" APRIL 1973 (Vol. 6, #4); PAGES 3-26; IN GOOD CONDITION with minor cover wear, writing notes on inside pages
PAYMENT through PAYPAL to be received and collected within 24 hours OF END OF AUCTION.

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Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air   If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout * 
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Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air   If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *
 
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