Mafia splendid carp NZ - Nothobranchius korthausae

Nothobranchius korthausae, also known as Mafia's or Korthaus's splendor groundfish, is a species of the Nothobranchius family and belongs to the smaller species with a size of about 4-5 cm. The species has similar requirements as most other Nothobranchius species. It can be kept in smaller aquariums (25l), which can be set up either without substrate or better with sand as substrate. Additional planting has proven to be useful, as it allows the females to temporarily escape the stalking of the males. The species is overall one of the more peaceful Nothobranchius, but scuffles can occur. If one does not intend to breed, they can be kept in a community aquarium with calm and peaceful fish, but care must be taken to provide enough food and to perform regular water changes.

The water temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius, while a pH below 7.5 and temperature fluctuations from day to night have a positive effect on their well-being and lifespan. The coloration of the fish is mood dependent and will fade if the fish are not comfortable.

Live foods such as mosquito larvae, water fleas and worm food are on the menu of Nothobranchius korthausae. The species will also take frozen food, but care must be taken not to leave any food residue in the tank so as not to pollute the water.

If you intend to breed, you can keep one male with one to three females in a 12l tank. Peat or coco soil can be used as spawning substrate, placed 2-3 cm high directly into the tank (without substrate) or in a plastic tray. The fish spawn on the substrate with the male embracing the mate. The spawning grains are thrown into the peat by the fin movements. After about a week, remove the peat from the tank and gently squeeze it out. Then it is stored for 2-3 months at 20-26°C and after this time it is watered with fresh water. Nothobranchius korthausae is relatively productive and from a batch of one trio between 50 and 200 juveniles can be obtained.

After about 4-6 weeks the first males can be recognized and two weeks later the fish are already sexually mature. There is a yellow-brown and a red color form of the species, which can be crossed with each other to obtain transitional forms. It is possible to breed N. korthausae without dry storage of the spawn by leaving the eggs in the water.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic main feed is a professional staple feed for all aquarium fish. We supply Hauptfeed in the form of soft granules, which, thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter, can be easily ingested by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.