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.
Bulolo Rainbowfish At a Glance
Bulolo Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Bulolo Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bulolo Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bulolo Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bulolo Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Bulolo Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Bulolo Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typically sold as silvery juveniles. They require a long tank with high water flow to swim against, which helps them build muscle and develop properly.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Males develop a deeper body profile with age, an elongated first dorsal fin, and slightly more intense silver flecking. They may occasionally display and spar for female attention.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Male
Female
Females remain more slender, lack the extended dorsal fin, and are generally slightly smaller than males (under 8cm). Maintaining a proper ratio of females to males reduces harassment.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Bulolo Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Bulolo Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Chilatherina bulolo, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8.5 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 low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bulolo 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 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.8 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
With modest requirements and a forgiving temperament, the Bulolo Rainbowfish is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, 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.
Bulolo Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bulolo Rainbowfish, a high 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.
Bulolo Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bulolo 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, 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.
Bulolo Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish
How big does Bulolo Rainbowfish get?
Bulolo Rainbowfish (Chilatherina bulolo) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bulolo Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Bulolo Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bulolo Rainbowfish need?
Bulolo Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.8, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Bulolo Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Bulolo 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bulolo Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Emerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesAgassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
Ideal Tank MatesCommon Pleco (Amazon Sailfin)
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Ideal Tank MatesDojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Ideal Tank MatesCommon Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Petricola
Synodontis lucipinnis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bulolo Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Bulolo Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Fish Similar to Bulolo Rainbowfish
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.
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.
Allen's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina alleni
A rare and highly active rainbowfish native to West Papua, Indonesia (Wapoga River basin). Known as the 'Wapoga Rainbowfish', they undergo a dramatic color transformation as they mature, developing intense metallic blues, greens, and reds. As exceptionally fast, continuous swimmers, they require a 4-foot (120cm) aquarium minimum to thrive without stress.
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.
Angfa Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia angfa
A beautiful and active schooling fish native to the Yakati River system in West Papua. Named in honor of the Australia New Guinea Fishes Association (ANGFA). Like many large rainbowfish, they are vigorous swimmers that require long aquariums to thrive. They display their best colors in well-planted tanks with clean, well-oxygenated water.
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.