Origin:

Australia, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia

Tank Temperature:

74-82°F

pH:

6.7-7.8

Tank Requirements:

Provide a long tank for swimming; plants & driftwood; tight fitting lid.

Feeding:

Omnivorous; flakes and pellets, frozen foods.

Behavior:

Active; peaceful; schooling; tank should have driftwood, plants, and plenty of hiding places; make sure to have a lid.

Compatibility:

Community Safe; Live Plant Safe; best kept in groups of 4 or more. Can be kept with Angelfish, Barbs, Corydoras Catfish, Danios, Gouramis, Guppies, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, other Rainbowfish, Rasboras, freshwater Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, and Tetras. Use caution when keeping with Cichlids, Bettas, Hatchetfish, Killifish, and invertebrates

Species Overview

Rainbowfish make great additions to a community tank. Their sleek, oblong bodies are made for speed, and they constantly make laps back and forth through the aquarium. Many species grow to 3 to 4 inches in length and a small group of these fish can add extraordinary color to your tank. While juveniles may have a relatively drab appearance, they truly live up to their name as they mature. Males are especially colorful in most species, developing vibrant yellow, orange, red, blue and green shades, some with stripes or bars. Both males and females should be kept together in the aquarium so males retain their vibrant hues. Rainbows are schooling fish, and it is best to keep them in groups of at least four so they feel secure and stay in the open.

New species and variations of Rainbowfish are being discovered and imported for aquarium use each year as they gain in popularity. The largest and most well-known genus is Melanotaenia, and some species from genus Pseudomugil are also frequently offered. Other less common species may also be seen in our tanks from time to time. Most Rainbowfish originate in lakes, streams and rivers of Australia, Southeast Asia, and other islands in the region.

Rainbows can be kept with a wide variety of community tank mates like tetras, danios, rasboras, others Rainbows, dwarf cichlids and similar fish. They are not picky eaters and will generally accept flakes, pellets and a range of frozen foods like mysis, brine shrimp and other similar items. They will not bother plants and are ideal for planted aquariums. A long aquarium is best to give them plenty of distance to swim back and forth in the tank.

We always suggest that you do further research before adding a new pet to your tank. What we have provided for you are guidelines and suggestions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our fish room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1213 or marinebio@thatpetplace.com.

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