Nothobranchius furzeri Jubb, 1971
Turquoise killifish
photo by Dorn, A.

Family:  Nothobranchiidae (African rivulines)
Max. size:  6.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7; dH range: 4 - 15, non-migratory
Distribution:  Africa: Pans in Ghona-re-Zhou Game Reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe. Reported from Save River (Ref. 13332). Extremely rare and is threatened by habitat destruction and insecticide spraying.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-16. Description: Dorsal fin with 14-15 rays; anal fin with 14-16 rays (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral series 28-30 (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Male colouration distinctive, scale centres turquoise, edged with crimson; dorsal fin and basal portion of caudal and anal fins pale blue with deep red or liver spots and bars; opercular membranes black; edge to dorsal and anal pale blue; caudal fin with concentric yellow-orange and black bands; pectoral fins edged with blue; pelvic fins with deep red markings (Ref. 52193). Female colouration as in Nothobranchius orthonotus (Ref. 52193).

Biology:  Occurs in temporary pools (Ref. 3788). Bottom spawner, 5-7 months incubation (Ref. 27139). Annual species with a lifespan of less than 12 weeks in captivity, suggested to be the shortest lifespan ever reported for a vertebrate (Ref. 47810); but life span of Eviota sigillata might be even shorter at 59 days at most (Ref. 54199).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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