Nothobranchius polli is endemic to southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2] It is found in temporary pools, swamps, and ditches in the upper Lufira River drainage.[3] It is known from only 3–5 locations, with an extent of occurrence of 619km2 (239sqmi), with an area of occupancy of 12km2 (4.6sqmi). It prefers cloudy water with temperatures of 23–28°C (73–82°F) and a pH of 6.3–7.2.[2]
Description
Males are iridescent light blue; the scales have red margins. The dorsal fin is light blue with red stripes; at the outer edge of the fin is a light blue or white band. The caudal fin is marbled red and light blue ending in a thin reddish-brown band, a light blue band, and a thin black band. The anal fin is light blue with red stripes and some yellow areas. The snout, throat, and top of the head are red.[2] The fish reaches a maximum total length of 6cm (2.4in).[3]
Biology and ecology
Nothobranchius pollispawns at the bottom of the water column;[3] eggs are laid in clayey mud and develop during the dry season before hatching during the following rainy season.[2]
Conservation
Nothobranchius polli is assessed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It has a very limited range and its population size has been observed to be declining. Its fragmented habitat is threatened by agriculture, mining, dam construction, and the fishing industry. A 2010 study found very high levels of pollutants in the water and the bodies of the fish specimens, and most specimens taken in 2013 and 2016 were very sick with fungal infections. The species is occasionally used by aquarium hobbyists.[2]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
