Rio Pearlfish

Nematolebias whitei is an annual (seasonal) killifish that lives in rain-filled pools on the plains of Brazil's Atlantic coast. The male's red-brown to purple body is covered with blue-green and white shining spots; the rays of the dorsal and anal fins extend into long filaments. Because its habitats have largely been destroyed by urbanization, it is threatened in the wild; captive-bred lines are maintained in the hobby. The eggs are stored in peat, damp and at 20–23°C, for about 3–4 months; once the eyes become visible, they are placed in cool, shallow water.

• A 40-liter species tank for one male and two females.
• A thick layer of peat on the bottom or a container filled with peat; dim light.
• 20–24°C, soft and slightly acidic water; an air-driven sponge filter.
• A tight lid is essential; 25–30% water change weekly.

Carnivorous and gluttonous. It is fed live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae, daphnia and brine shrimp; it mostly does not accept dry food.

Males are rough with each other and persistent towards females. With its short life and special breeding routine, it should be kept in a species tank.

Good companions: females of its own species.

Avoid: community fish, other annual species (the females look similar), large and active fish.