Nothobranchius steinforti
Overview
Nothobranchius steinforti is a species of killifish in the family Nothobranchiidae. It is endemic to Upper Wami River drainage, Tanzania. Its natural habitat is intermittent freshwater marshes, pools and rice fields.
This species was described in 1977 by Rudolf Hans Wildekamp with the type locality given as "8 kilometers from Kimamba, Tanzania". The specific name honours the Dutch aquarist Theo Steinfort who helped collect the type and bred this species in captivity, making it available to other killifish hobbyists.
Nothobranchius steinforti faces severe threats from habitat destruction as temporary pools in its restricted range are drained for agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal water bodies makes it extremely vulnerable to altered rainfall patterns and extended droughts. Collection pressure for the aquarium trade has further reduced wild populations of this endemic killifish.
Habitat
This annual killifish inhabits temporary seasonal pools and ephemeral wetlands in savanna regions of East Africa. The species requires shallow, vegetated pools that fill during rainy seasons and dry completely during drought periods, triggering its unique annual life cycle.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in NOTHOBRANCHIIDAE
Threatened in Tanzania
Frequently asked questions
Why is Nothobranchius steinforti classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Nothobranchius steinforti live?
What are the main threats to Nothobranchius steinforti?
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