Nothobranchius Palmqvisti

Nothobranchius palmqvisti is an annual killifish that lives in temporary pools that form in the rainy season on the plains of the East African coast. The male's bluish-gray body forms a fine net pattern with red-edged scales; its tail and fins are red, while females are drab. In the aquarium it lives about a year. The pair spawns by diving into the peat; the peat is collected every 1–2 weeks, squeezed to a damp consistency and stored in a labeled bag at 20–24°C for a few months; eggs whose eyes have become visible hatch soon after being placed in cool, shallow water.

• A 30-liter species tank for one male and two to three females.
• A bare bottom, a container filled with peat for spawning, a few plants.
• 21–24°C, soft to moderately hard water; an air-driven sponge filter.
• A tight lid is essential; 30% water change weekly.

Carnivorous. Bloodworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp should be the staple. Because it grows fast, juveniles are fed small amounts two to three times a day.

Active and showy; males are rough with each other and persistent towards females. Keeping it in a species tank is recommended.

Good companions: females of its own species.

Avoid: other Nothobranchius species (hybridization), community fish, fin nippers.