A robust, active, and highly colorful schooling fish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of New Guinea. They are named for the distinctive vertical black bars on their lower flanks. As highly active swimmers that do best in hard, alkaline water, they require a spacious, long aquarium (minimum 4 feet) with strong oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space.
Barred Rainbowfish At a Glance
Barred Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Barred Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Barred Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Barred Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Barred Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Barred Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Barred Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Mixed Sex
Standard commercial representation. Typically sold as less colorful, unsexed juveniles. Should be kept in a school of 6 or more, ideally with a ratio of more females than males to spread out male sparring.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Juvenile, School
Male
Males develop a pronounced deep chest (high body profile) and display vivid colors—often a mix of bronze, yellow, or deep orange/red on the posterior half—along with prominent dark vertical bars on their lower sides.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Show Male, Adult Male
Female
Females are noticeably smaller, much more slender (lacking the deep chest), and feature subdued coloration, primarily silver or pale olive with fainter barring.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Barred Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Barred Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Chilatherina fasciata, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 14 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Barred Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
With modest requirements and a forgiving temperament, the Barred Rainbowfish is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Mixed Sex, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Barred Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Barred Rainbowfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Barred Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Barred Rainbowfish is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Barred Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Barred Rainbowfish.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
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Frequently Asked Questions About Barred Rainbowfish
How big does Barred Rainbowfish get?
Barred Rainbowfish (Chilatherina fasciata) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 14 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Barred Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Barred Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Barred Rainbowfish need?
Barred Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Barred Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Barred Rainbowfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Barred Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Barred Rainbowfish is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Barred Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Barred Rainbowfish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Barred Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Barred Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Dainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesEmerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesAlligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Barred Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Barred Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Fish Similar to Barred Rainbowfish
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Chilatherina bulolo
A rare and highly active rainbowfish native to the fast-flowing mountain streams and white-water rapids of the Markham and Ramu river systems in Papua New Guinea. They possess a silvery body with a distinct black streak on the upper and lower edges of the caudal fin. Because of their specialized natural habitat, they require highly oxygenated, fast-flowing water and alkaline conditions to thrive in an aquarium.
Banded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
A large, robust, and highly active schooling fish native to Northern Australia. Famous for its intense geographic color variations (such as the red 'Goyder River' morph). They are peaceful but incredibly fast and vigorous swimmers, requiring long aquariums with plenty of open swimming space.
Exquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
A highly active, schooling species native to the fast-flowing, clear streams of Australia's Northern Territory. True to their name, they display stunning metallic bodies with bright red-tipped fins. They require pristine, well-oxygenated water, plenty of horizontal swimming space, and should always be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Blue Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia caerulea
A small, highly active, and colorful schooling fish native to the Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. They are peaceful but require ample swimming space and a school of their own kind to thrive. Like most rainbowfish, they appreciate well-oxygenated, flowing water and are excellent jumpers. Males develop a striking blue hue with reddish horizontal stripes.
Eastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
An active, schooling species native to Australia, highly variable in color depending on the catch location. They are fast swimmers that require long tanks with ample open swimming space. Because of their energetic feeding behavior, they can outcompete shy or slow-moving fish. Best kept in shoals to display natural morning sparring and courtship behaviors.
Celebes Rainbowfish
Marosatherina ladigesi
An active, schooling fish native to the karst (limestone) streams of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known for their striking neon blue lateral stripes and yellowish fins. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are highly sensitive to soft, acidic conditions. A peaceful species that requires plenty of open swimming space.