Barred Rainbowfish
Chilatherina fasciata
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.
Barred Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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.
Who Barred Rainbowfish Is Actually For
Barred Rainbowfish is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It suits keepers who want a profile-driven species choice without a long list of specialist setup demands.
The most common mistake is buying Barred Rainbowfish for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
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
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.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 1, 2026
- Last updated
- May 1, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesReticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesRaspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
Ideal Tank MatesXenotilapia ochrogenys
Xenotilapia ochrogenys
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
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
New Guinea Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia affinis
An active, schooling species native to the streams of northern New Guinea. Known for their striking lateral stripe and vibrant fin coloration that flashes during morning displays. They are peaceful but highly energetic, requiring ample open swimming space and highly oxygenated water to thrive.
Silver Rainbowfish
Chilatherina crassispinosa
An active, schooling rainbowfish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of Northern New Guinea. Known for their energetic swimming patterns and silvery bodies, they require long aquariums with strong water flow and high dissolved oxygen. Best kept in groups of 6 or more.
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia goldiei
The Goldie River Rainbowfish is a vibrant, highly active schooling fish native to the clear rainforest streams and backwaters of southern New Guinea. As rapid swimmers, they require significant open swimming space. They are voracious mid-water and surface feeders that will readily eat insects and standard aquarium foods. While peaceful, their exuberant energy can intimidate shy tank mates.
Mubi Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia mubiensis
A rare, energetic, and colorful schooling fish native to the clear, limestone-filtered streams of the Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. As they mature, males develop striking colors and deep bodies. Like most rainbowfish, they are highly active, requiring long aquariums with moderate flow and moderately hard, alkaline water to thrive.
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.