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💧 Freshwater Vulnerable 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Nothobranchius Kardashevi

Nothobranchius kardashevi Valdesalici, 2012
Max Length
3.8 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
-
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
pelagic

📖 Overview

Nothobranchius Kardashevi (Nothobranchius kardashevi), first described by Valdesalici, 2012 is a tiny fish in the family Nothobranchiidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Adults typically reach 3.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Nothobranchiidae kept in the hobby.

Scientific Name
Nothobranchius kardashevi
Authority
Valdesalici, 2012
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
VU
Max Length
3.8 cm
Trophic Level
3.2
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 16 - 17; Vertebrae: 30. Nothobranchius kardashevi males are similar to other members of N. ugandensis species group, differing from all other species of the genus by combination of male colouration characters consisting of light blue scales with a broad irregularly reticulated pattern on body forming oblique bars in bright red, vivid bright red colouration on the head and dorsum, yellow or blue anal fin, large vivid red spot pattern on dorsal and anal fins; rounded head, dorsal profile of head slightly concave to nearly straight, convex from nape to end of dorsal fin base; variable cephalic squamation . It differs from other members of the N. ugandensis species group by caudal fin spotted vs. caudal fin plain . It is distinguished from N. nubaensis by reduced red pigmentation, having irregular broad margin on scales vs. regular reticulation, by hyaline pectoral fins vs. red, and having blue anal fin and pelvic fins vs. yellow . It is distinguished from N. ugandensis by absence of dorsal, anal and caudal fin margin vs. present, by broad irregular blotch pattern on dorsal fin in two colours vs. only one colour and more regular pattern often reduced as a series of dots, by anal fin pattern with large irregular spots in two colours vs. without any spots or if present in only one colour and reduced to a few dots, by broad spots on caudal fin vs. if present faint dots on yellow morph . In addition, N. kardashevi males have a relatively longer head compared to N. nubaensis, 31.2-34.6% of standard length vs. 26.3-33.6%; relatively higher number of scales in longitudinal series, 28-32 vs. 29-30, fewer anal fin rays, 16-17 vs. 17-19, more slender caudal peduncle compared to N. ugandensis, 12.1-13.0% of standard length vs. 12.5-16.2%; reduced number of circumpeduncular scales, 12 vs. 14 in N. nubaensis and 14-16 in N. ugandensis, and a different posterior supraorbital neuromast series, with two neuromasts vs. three in N. ugandensis and N. ugandensis .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Nothobranchius Kardashevi is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater 🐟 Pelagic
Trophic Level
3.2±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01122 × L2.94 (TL)
Max TL
3.8cm
Dorsal Rays
18
Anal Rays
17
Vertebrae
30

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Vulnerable
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Valdesalici, 2012

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