Nothobranchius korthausae MEINKEN, 1973

Nothobranchius korthausae Meinken, 1973
Last updated 24/10/2000

korthausae: Latinised adjective named in honour of Edith Korthaus [editor of "Das Aquarium" periodical] who discovered the species on the Island of Mafia, Tanzania in 1973 [Rosenstock (1995:158), mentions the year 1972] and managed to bring back some live specimens to Germany.

First description

Meinken, (1973): "Nothobranchius korthausae spec. nov., eine hübsche Cyprinodonten Neuheit von der Inseln Mafia."; Das Aquarium; Heft 51 (IX), 1973: 351-355, 2 tabs; 6 figs.

Types

The type material used by Meinken to describe N.korthausae consisted in 3 males of 27.5 to 31-mm total length and two females of 28 and 30 mm total length. Meinken (1973) reported that all specimens were adult and sexually mature.

The largest male (31-mm TL) and largest female (30-mm TL) form the type material for the species.

Co-types

Meinken (1973) assigned the status of co-types to the three smallest specimens.

All types and co-types are preserved at the Senckenberg-Museum [Frankfurt/Main].

Terra Typica

"A swampy area on Mafia island" [Tanzania]. On the island only a few pools and waterholes can be found.

The species was discovered along a small earthen track leading further through a marsh. During four visits to the island, E. Korthaus discovered that the waters on Mafia did not have a true temporary character. The island of Mafia is situated on the continental shelf about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania, south of the island of Zanzibar.

Meristic & Morphometric Data

D: 9-10; A: 12-13; Scales in mid-lateral series: 24-26 +2-3

Karyotype:

Table 1: Measurements [After Meinken, 1973]

	Male	Male	Male	Female	Female
Total length TL	31.00	29.50	27.50	30.00	28.00
Standard length SL	24.50	24.00	23.00	24.25	22.25
Head Length	8.33	8.0	7.50	8.0	7.50
Eye diameter	2.83	2.50	2.33	2.75	2.25
Snout length	2	2-	1.75	2+	1.75
Interorbital width	3.33	3+	3-	2.75	2.25
Body height	7-	6.50	6.25	6	5.50
Length caudal peduncle	5.50	5	4.50	6	5
Height caudal peduncle	3.50	3.25	3	3+	2.50

Table 2: Morphometric data [After Meinken, 1973]

Scales lateral line	22+2-3			24+2
Scales ring	8.50			8.50
Scales predorsal	16			16
Longest dorsal ray	7	7	6.50	5	5
Longest anal ray	7	7	6.50	6.25	6
Longest pectoral ray	5.25	5+	5	5	5-
Longest ventral ray	3	3-	2.50	3+	3
Longest caudal ray	6.50	5.66	5.50	5.66	5.50

Table 3: Measurements [After Meinken, 1973]

	Male	Male	Male	Female	Female
Body height in TL	4.40	4.50	4.50	5.00	5.50
Body height in SL	3.50	3.70	3.70	4.00	4.00
Head in SL	3-	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00
Eye in head-length	3-	3.20	3.20	3.00	3.30
Eye in snout-length	0.70	0.78	0.75	0.74	0.77
Eye in interorbital	1.18	1.20	1.27	1.00	1.00
Height caudal peduncle in its length	1.55	1.55	1.50	1.90	2.00
Longest dorsal ray in height	1	1-	1-	1.10	1.10
Longest caudal ray in SL	3.80	4.20	4.20	4.30	4.10
# dorsal rays	3, 9-10			3, 10
# anal rays	2, 12			2, 13
# pectoral rays	15			15
# ventral rays	6			6
# gill rakers on 1° arch	11			11

Description

According to Meinken (1973), the body height is comprised 4.4 to 5 times in TL and 3.5 to 4 times in SL; head-length 3 times in SL. Eye diameter 3 to 3.3 times in head length; 1 to 1.27 times in interorbital width; 0.7 to 0.8 times in snout length. The preorbital length is very small, about 1/6 of the eye diameter. Snout short, about 4 times in head length. Mouth directed upwards, large, both exterior edges of lower jaws fitting into a grove in the upper jaws. Mouth width about same as snout length. Lower jaw prominent. In males, height of caudal peduncle comprised 1.5 times, in females 1.9 to 2 times, in its length.

D 3, 9-10, A 2 12-13, in males both rather pointed towards rear end, in females both more rounded; reaching in males, when laid back, the end of caudal peduncle and sometimes even further, in females not that far. In the D fin, rays 6 and 7 are the longest, longest ray same length as body height or a little more. In A fin, ray 6 is the longest, same length as the longest dorsal fin ray. In males, V fin ray 6 reaching up to the origin of the anal, in females reaching until the anal opening. P 15, rounded, reaching in both sexes beyond base of ventral fin. C fin-end rounded, the exterior edge convex, longest rays 3.8 to 4.3 times in SL. D fin starts only slightly in front of A fin origin.

All scales are cycloïd. Cheeks, operculum and preoperculum covered with scales. In the mid-lateral line series there are 24 to 26 scales. 2 or 3 scales lie over the basis of caudal fin. The ring of scales running over the body, between origins of dorsal and anal fins count 8 1/2 scales. Predorsal scales are 16, irregularly set; the row starts with a large rounded scale between the eyes, followed by a pair of large rounded scales. Lateral line reasonably not exposed; on sides only some shallow pores visible. By contrast, above eyes and over the head, a series of large pores. Gill rakers long and thin; 11-gill rakers on lower part of first arch.

Jubb (1981:34) gave however some different values for certain morphological characters and described some additional ones: Dorsal rays 12-14 [9-10 in Meinken, 1973], Anal rays 14-15 [12-13 in Meinken, 1973], 22-24 scales around body in front of ventrals, 2 rows of scales on cheek below orbit.

Synonyms

None

Relationship

N.rubroreticulatus is defined as the type species of the subgenus Zononothobranchius, to which the following species most probably also belong: N.rachovii Ahl, 1926; N.kirki Jubb, 1969; N.furzeri Jubb, 1971; N.brieni Poll, 1938; N.polli Wildekamp, 1978; N. malaissei Wildekamp, 1978; N.symoensi Wildekamp, 1978; N.taeniopygus Hilgendorf, 1891; N. neumanni Hilgendorf, 1905; N.lourensi Wildekamp, 1977 and N.korthausae Meinken, 1973 (Radda, 1981:4). The Zononothobranchius subgenus was initially proposed by Radda (1969) to re-group the species having a concentric band in their caudal fin.

The great resemblance in body and fin patterns in males let Wildekamp (1977) to consider that N.lourensi was closely related to N.korthausae which in endemic to Mafia Island. Males can however easily be distinguished by their colour patterns; and females with their circular darker stripes. Both species can also be distinguished based on their morphological and meristic characters [Table 4].

Table 4: Comparison between N.lourensi and N.korthausae [After Wildekamp, 1977]

Characteristics	N.korthausae	N.lourensi
Body height in % TL	4.4-5.0	3.5-4.3
Body height in % SL	3.5-4.0	2.9-3.5
Head length in % TL	3.0	3.0-3.4
Eye diameter in % head length	3.0-3.5	3.1-3.7
Eye diameter in % Interorbital width	1.0-1.27	1.0-1.2
Number of dorsal fin rays	9-10	15-17
Number of anal fin rays	12-13	15-20
Number of pectoral fin rays	15	18-19
Scales, longitudinal line	22-24	27-29
Scales, vertical over anal begin	8.5	9.5

Since the Island of Mafia rest on the Continental Shelf, it was most probably joined to the mainland during the mid-Pleistocene low sea level. This land bridge would have enabled a closely related species from mainland Tanzania to colonize and subsequently survive on the island, following its more recent isolation by new rising sea level.

Wildekamp, 1977 and Jubb, 1981:33 mention that Jan Lourens discovered a species closely related to N.korthausae on the mainland in a pool along the road between Morogoro and Dar-es-Salaam. Wildekamp named this species N.lourensi in 1977.

Watters et al. (1998) consider N albimarginatus to be a small species belonging to the N.guentheri-group, distinguishing itself from all the other species of this group - with the exception of N.korthausae Meinken, 1973 and N.palmqvisti Lönnberg, 1907 - by the presence in males of a clearly marked white border on the edges of dorsal and anal fins. N albimarginatus distinguishes itself from both above-mentioned species by a more pointed snout-end, by large hook-like teeth in the outer rows of the pre-mandible and dental jawbones and by the male body coloration.

According to Watters et al. (1998), in their colour pattern, male N.albimarginatus appear to be closely related to N.korthausae from Mafia Island. Both species have a white marginal band in dorsal and anal fins and irregular red stripes over a yellowish background, which can be considered as synapomorphic characters. This is also valid in N.eggersi. Red worm-like stripes over the unpaired fins are also a synapomorphic character chaired by N.lourensi [however, in N.lourensi the white marginal band is missing in these fins]. Krysanov who carried out karyotype studies informed Watters et al. (1998) that there appeared to be no close relationship between N.korthausae and N.lourensi. These findings where confirmed by crossbreeding experiments carried out by Peterson (1996).

An additional synapomorphy that N.korthausae and N. eggersi have in common is their polymorphy. Both species occur in two different colour forms: red and banded. The red caudal fin in male N.albimarginatus can be explained by this synapomorphy. On this basis, Watters et al. (1998) considered the species N.albimarginatus, N.eggersi, N.korthausae and N.lourensi to form a group of sister species within the N.guentheri-species-group. Another, yet undescribed, species originating from the Kilombero drainage system is possibly also to be included in this sister-group.

Watters et al. (1998) consider a second sister-group with the N.guentheri-species-group. This second sister-group is made up of N.annectens, N.guentheri proper and N.rubripinnis. This sister-group shares the synapomorphies of a red spot on the gill cover [operculum] and the pattern of red chevron-like circular stripes over the posterior part of the body. The synapomorphies of a red tail [caudal] fin without any dark marginal band and the arch-like pattern in dorsal and anal fins are also shared with N.palmqvisti and N.patrizii, which can possibly also be included in this second sister-group. Females of all these species also share the grey circular stripes over their body (Watters et al., 1998).

Colour description

N.korthausae can be found, just as the related N.eggersi species, in two colour varieties, a yellow-brown to yellow-green form [at times bluish] and a deep red form. Some years after the yellow-brown variety was introduced to the hobby, the red-brown variety was discovered. Both colour forms can be cross-bred and several colour hybrids are known.

As described by Meinken (1973) the body colour of yellow males is of a metallic yellowish brown, more brown blue over the anterior part of the body and a reddish shine over the belly and the caudal peduncle. All scales are mostly yellowish and have a red brown to tomato red margin, which explains the formation of a deep red net-like pattern over the entire body. Dorsal, anal, pectoral and caudal fins are yellow with numerous small black to dark red brown lines running also through the fins. The dorsal fin has 12 to 15 chocolate brown, somewhat irregularly circular, bands and a large submarginal band of spotted black whilst the anal fin displays a thin submarginal black line. Both fins also present a clear white marginal border. The caudal fin is also mainly coloured in yellow with 6-7 vertical to circularly running lines of a black to dark blue coloration. A clear white edge is also present on the caudal fin. Pectorals are transparent, slightly amber-like with white to vague blue spots [depending on light angle].

Red males have fins that are deep red, with darker red lines. Some lighter specimens can have a similar, although fainter, pattern, as observed in the yellow-brown colour varieties. Fins are surrounded with a blue to whitish marginal border.

Females are very simply coloured, an olive brown body with all fins transparent.

Jubb (1981:34) gave also a more detailed colour description of mature males [only yellow-green form known at that time]:

Scales: Scale centers pale iridescent blue-green, edged with brown-red. Pigmentation accentuating towards the caudal region forming spaced transversal stripes around the body. The membrane of the Dorsal fin, golden yellow smudged with dark brown forming irregular blotches and stripes; extremity of fin edged with white or pale blue. The membrane of the Anal fin is golden-yellow smudged with dark brown forming irregular blotches and bars; along the extremity of the fin there is a narrow black margin edged with white or pale to sky blue. The Caudal fin membrane is also golden-yellow with some four to six concentric dark brown irregular bars; the extremity of the fin is white to pale blue. The Ventral fins are light brown dotted with dark brown spots. The Pectoral fins have a pale amber coloured membrane edged with pale blue. The eye iris is golden. The operculum is golden-brown, this colour extending to the forehead and the snout.

Polychromatism in Nothobranchius is known since 1982, when Seegers described it in two Nothobranchius species: N.korthausae Meinken, 1971, found on Mafia Island and N.eggersi Seegers, 1982 from the Rufiji River delta, both from Tanzania (Wildekamp, 1986). In N.korthausae a mixed population representing red and dark yellowish brown striped specimens was found in the northern part of the island. The collector, G. Eggers, was not able to differentiate males and females of both colour forms. German hobbyists crossbred the different phenotypes of N.korthausae. Subsequent generations consisted in a mixture of dark yellow brown striped and red phenotypes and several specimens displayed characters belonging to both colour forms. All subsequent generations did not differ from the F-1 generation and all were perfectly viable (Wildekamp, 1986).

Size

Males, both in nature and in the aquarium, can reach a length of 50-55 mm, although they mostly reach between 35 and 40 mm; females remain somewhat smaller 30-40 mm.

Code

KOR

Figure 7: Location of Mafia Island in front of mainland Tanzania.

Distribution & Habitat

This particularly attractive species was first collected from the island of Mafia that is situated on the continental shelf about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania, south of the island of Zanzibar. The island is also situated about 125-km south-southeast of Dar-es-Salaam and is at most situated a few meters above sea level.

Figure 8: Meteorological profile of Tanzania and Zanzibar/Mafia Islands
[Source: FAO].

According to Korthaus (1973), Mafia Island is characterised by steppe and bush forest. In the part of Mafia that she visited in January 1973 (the island is somewhat 80 miles long) there is only a limited number of water places and marshy areas. These can be maintained during nearly the entire year thanks to an average rainfall of some 1 120mm per year (Jubb, 1981:33). The heaviest rains occurring from Marsh-April. It does not have permanent river systems, no streams and also no lakes. The Nothobranchius were captured in a ditch, which ran along an earthen bush track leading through the swamp. While she already had visited the Island on four occasions, she did not find the water to dry up entirely.

According to E. Korthaus (1973) and Stewart (1976), waters on Mafia have a more or less pronounced permanent character. As the Island only slightly rises above the sea level the surface water must originate from groundwater, which is available during the entire year. This surface water can not escape into the bottom as it encounters salt water with which it doesn't mix because of lack of movement. Having a lower density, the freshwater layer stays on top of the saltwater layer. Only some lower lying depressions, composed of marshes and ditches, allow water life to exist on the island. Marshes on Mafia Island possibly never completely dry-up as the water table is always high, pushed upwards by the underlying ocean water. Fresh water on the island is therefore rather heavily loaded with salts.

E. Korthaus (1973) thought that pH played an important role in the life of N.korthausae. pH-values at the original collecting site reached only 5.8 [6.4 at most - she used a commercially available water measurement kit]. In the immediate vicinity of the ditch there was also a waterhole in which no Nothobranchius were found. The pH in this last location was around 6.8. An attempt to maintain the fish in this water always ended in the dead of the fish after just a short period. E. Korthaus (1973) measured water temperatures ranging between 28 and 31°C [82 and 88°F] and recorded water oxygen contents of 6.5 O₂ mg/l. Measurements of KH and GH indicated 0 degree which made her doubt about the quality of the reagents. She was convinced of the proper functioning of the chemicals when testing water from other locations where the reading gave a KH of 0 for a GH reading of 4 degrees dH.

When a few weeks later she returned the same location, she witnessed important fish mortality. Only a few dead or hardly living specimens were available. There was still plenty of water available in the ditch and plenty of dissolved oxygen in the water [5-mg O₂/L], produced by the presence of an abundant water vegetation. Exact water temperatures could not be measured on this second visit, but it must have definitely be superior to 35°C [95°F.] at 17:00 H. The rich submerged vegetation secured a sufficient oxygen production and its diffusion into the marsh. Korthaus (1973) assumed that the higher water temperatures to which the fish had been exposed could have been responsible for an increased metabolism and, finally, for their total exhaustion. The majority of the specimens were not even fully grown up [males hardly exceeded 3-cm] as in the mean time it got known that under aquarium conditions the species can reach 5.5 cm.

In the same biotope Korthaus (1973) caught some juvenile of a Tilapia species as well a numerous frog larvae. Their presence on Mafia Island confirms that the surface water does not dry up entirely.

A photograph of the type locality was also published. It clearly indicated the amber color of the water, produced by rich and diverse sources of peat in the bottom. Deeper ditches presented an abundant water vegetation, whilst the higher running rivulets, which would dry-up, did not have any water vegetation. Besides different marsh-grasses, Korthaus (1973) also found, as real water plants, Urticularia with small yellow flowers and a Nymphaea species with violet flowers.

Korthaus (1973) also observed for some time the fish in their natural environment. After a rain shower, when the water ran from one ditch to another over the earthen track, she observed that after one to two males had swam by, some 10 females followed. Similar sex ratios where also found in the captured specimens. She also attempted to discover some eggs in the bottom soil but failed to discover any, no matter how hard she tried.

Frequent high air humidity levels could partially account for a possibility of water incubation of N.korthausae eggs.

The distribution area of N.korthausae is limited to Mafia Island, where it's thus far the sole representative of the genus, distant by some 35-km from the mainland coastline. According to SEEGERS (1985) N.lourensi, which can be found on the mainland, right in front of Mafia Island, is closely related to N.korthausae as it present strong similarities in colour pattern. Correspondence in colour patterns and the geographical proximity of both distribution areas suggest common ancestors. According to some authors, both species could form the most northerly representatives of the N.rachovii-group.

History

Visiting Mafia Island [about 35 km away from the mainland and about 80 miles long; since 1964 part of Tanzania, East-Africa], in January 1973, Edith Korthaus discovered this new species. Geologically speaking, Mafia belongs to the Comoro Island group lying in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the African continent.

As only a few live specimens were brought back to Germany, they were handed over to Dr. W. Foersch who succeeded in successfully breeding the new species and in distributing it amongst hobbyists.

Breeding & Maintenance

A relatively shy fish, which demands rich underwater vegetation when, kept in a multi-species tank. Although occurring naturally in soft, slight acid water, it adapts very easily to neutral or even to slight alkaline water conditions. Maintenance temperatures should preferably be around 20-24° C [68-74°F]. Some authors mention that this species can be rather aggressive at times. Aggression amongst males expresses itself more easily when females are also present in the same tank. Males kept together display some form of territorial behaviour but real aggression acts are often limited to display attacks.

Both colour varieties do not necessarily have to be separated during breeding as, in large fingerling groups, one can always discover, whilst breeding the red form, one or two specimens of the yellow brown phenotype. In this case, these few specimens will have a much darker colour pattern and lack the bright yellow green coloration that can be seen in the "pure" yellow form [= phenotype].

According to Szafranek (1990), N.korthausae "red" differs from the mainland morpho-types:

In contrast to most Nothobranchius species which have an incubation period of 8 weeks, eggs of this species can already have completed their development and be ready to hatch after only 3-4 weeks, at an incubation temperature of 23°C. This observation stems from the fact that in its natural environment N.korthausae occurs in water with a rather more permanent character and eggs do not necessarily need a dry period for their development;

Differing from the "general Nothobranchius" is also the growth rate of N.korthausae "red". This colour form requires double the amount of time, and genders can only be distinguished after 6-7 weeks. Sexual maturity is only reached after about 12 weeks. This slower growing species has however the advantage of also being able to live longer;

The third differentiating character concerns the eagerness to feed. N.korthausae "red" is not a particularly heavy eater. In comparison to other Nothos, the species is also rather slimly build.

For the rest, both colour forms expect similar maintenance and breeding conditions as the other species of the genus. Considering that Nothobranchius species are relatively sensitive to velvet [Oödinium] it is advised to add one teaspoon of salt for each ten liters of tank water. They eat all sorts of live food, which is adapted to their mouth size: mosquito larvae, water fleas, wingless fruit flies, etc. Each adult individual should preferably be given 3 to 5 liters of tank volume.

Breeding can best be done with a trio or in-group. Individuals should at first be properly fed in order to bring them in condition. After which they are left to breed for one week. Eggs are deposited on the well-known peatmoss substrate. It can sometimes be observed that N.korthausae females discharge their eggs in the free water column, away from the bottom. This phenomenon could also be observed with N.patrizii and N.janpapi. After one to two weeks, the peatmoss containing the eggs is removed from the tank; left to dry out for 1-2 days, after which it can be stored away in a closed plastic bag for 6-8 weeks [2-3 months]. Following this drought period, fresh water [16-18°C or 61 to 64°F] is poured over the peatmoss containing the developed eggs.

The largest fry are capable of directly ingesting freshly hatched Artemia-nauplii; most other fry, which are much smaller, would require that infusoria and/or micro-worms be made available. After 3-days, these too will also be able to take freshly hatched Artemia-nauplii. Omitting this important aspect will generally result in the loss of many smaller fry during the first days following hatching. This species also seems to be sensitive to poor general water conditions, therefore regular and partial water changes are advisable and necessary.

According to Schonewille (1988) the growth rate of the yellow form is rather rapid, and after 5-6 weeks one can already identify the first males. Niedzielski (1994) on the contrary, mentions that their growth rate is slower than in other Nothobranchius species; only after 2 months genders could be identified and after 4 months they would reach sexual maturity. N.korthausae is a very productive species. Out of the peatmoss of one properly fed trio, and after only one week spawning, one could easily collect between 200 to 300 eggs. In addition to this, the species is very suited for beginners.

Stewart (1976) mention rather short incubation times [only 3 weeks]. His experience with water incubated eggs [although this has been mentioned as a possibility with such short incubation times] is negative. He kept some eggs in water for the incubation, but after 3 months [in rather low temperatures of 18-19°C i.e. 65°F.], they did not show any sign of development.

According to J. Kadlec (1996), incubation and development times for the embryo lie between 14 to 60 days. The lower limit corresponds to incubation temperatures in the range 28° to 30°C [82 to 86°F]; the upper limit to 19°C [66°F]. He reckons that the development of the N.korthausae embryo is the fastest of all Nothobranchius species. Hatching the eggs happens preferably in water of 16-18°C [or 61 to 64°F]; a progressive increase in water temperature to 23-25°C [73-77°F] will increase the number of free swimming fry.

Stewart (1976) also mentions that in the beginning when the fish was still new to the hobby only 3 to 4 weeks of incubation were required, these have increased to 8-9 weeks, with in addition a progressively increased number of resting eggs from one generation to the next. Over the 20 generations that I bred the species, I personally never observed such a phenomenon.

Bibliography

Foersch, W. (1973): "Erste Beobachtungen bei der Zucht von N.korthausae spec. nov." - Das Aquarium; Heft 53, November 1973:432-453; 12 figs.

Jubb, R. A. (1981): "Nothobranchius" - Trop. Fish. Hobb. Publications, Inc., 61 pages, 17 figs.

Kadlec, J. (1996): "Two Colour varieties of Nothobranchius korthausae, Meinken, 1973" - Brit. Killif. Assoc., Killi-News; 367:56-59.

Klimpel, H. (1987): "Nothobranchius korthausae Meinken, 1973" - Journ. Deut. Killif. Gemein., Enzyclopädie der Killifische 1987(X), 4 pgs, 1 fig.

Korthaus, E. (1973): "Bemerkungen zum Biotop von Nothobranchius korthausae spec. nov." in "Nothobranchius korthausae spec. nov., eine hübsche Cyprinodonten-Neuheit von der Insel Mafia (Ostafrika)" - Das Aquarium, 51,1973: 353-355, 2 tabs; 6 figs

Meinken, H. (1973): "Nothobranchius korthausae spec. nov., eine hübsche Cyprinodonten-Neuheit von der Insel Mafia (Ostafrika)" - Das Aquarium, 51,1973: 351-355, 2 tabs; 6 figs

Niedzielski, G.J. (1994): "Comments on three interesting killies" - Journ. Amer. Killif. Assoc., Nov-Dec - Vol. 27, N° 6, 1994: 170-171.

Radda, A. (1969): "Fundulosoma thierryi und ihre verwandten (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulinae)" - Aquaria, 3: 159-164, 4 figs.

Radda, A. C. (1981): "Synopsis der Gattung Nothobranchius Peters" - Vereinsberichte Informationen Programme; 7(5): 3-7, 10 figs.

Rosenstock, J. (1995): "Nothobranchius from North to South"; J. British Killifish Association, Killi News, 362:155-166, 6 figs.

Seegers, L. (1985a): "Prachtgrundkärpflinge - Die Gattung Nothobranchius; Systematiek, Vorkommen, Pflege und Zucht"; Journ. Deut. Killif.Gemein.; Supplementheft 1; 50 pg., 98 figs.

Szafranek, K. (1990): "Nothobranchius korthausae rot - der etwas andere Prachtgrundkärpfling!?" - Journ. Deut. Killif. Gemein., 22 (2): 29-30, 2 photos.

Schonewille, A. (1988): "Nothobranchius korthausae Meinken, 1973" - Killi Fish Nederl., Killi Bericht; 200; Killi Nieuws 18° jrg. Nr.5 oktober 1988: 84-86.

Stewart, F. (1976): "Nothobranchius korthausae" - Journ. Amer. Killif. Assoc.; Vol.9 N°2; February 1976: 33-36; 3 figs.

Watters, B. R.; R.H. Wildekamp & B.J. Cooper (1998): "Zwei Neue Nothobranchius-Arten aus der Küstenebene Tansanias" - Journ. Deut. Killif. Gemein., 30(3): 52-63, 14 figs, 2 tabs.

Wildekamp, R.H. (1977): "Nothobranchius lourensi spec. nov. und Nothobranchius janpapi zwei Rivulinen aus Ost Afrika" - Das Aquarium, 11 (8): 326-331, 7 tabs., 6 figs.

Wildekamp, R.H. (1986): "Notes sur le poisson annuel Nothobranchius jubbi Wildekamp & Berkenkamp, 1979 (Cyprinodontiformes; Nothobranchiinae) du Nord-Est du Kenya et de Somalie du Sud" - Revue française d'Aquariologie, 13(1986), 4:99-106, 8 figs, 3 tabs.