A rare and elegant species endemic to the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. Unlike many tropical rainbowfish, it thrives in slightly cooler, well-oxygenated water. They are very active, peaceful schooling fish characterized by an olive/mauve back, silvery reflections, and a distinct blackish-to-blue mid-lateral stripe.
Highlands Rainbowfish At a Glance
Highlands Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Highlands Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Highlands Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Highlands Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Highlands Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Highlands Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Highlands Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typically sold as juveniles before their mature colors and sexual dimorphism develop. Must be kept in schools of 6 or more to prevent stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Mature males develop a slightly deeper body profile and exhibit intense iridescent colors, including an olive/mauve back and bright silvery reflections. Males will playfully spar and flash their colors to establish hierarchy and attract females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller, have a more slender fusiform profile, and are significantly paler in coloration compared to males. Maintaining a proper male-to-female ratio (e.g., 1:1 or 1:2) is ideal for a peaceful shoal.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Highlands Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Highlands Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Chilatherina campsi, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 9 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Highlands Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 21°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 7–7.8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Highlands Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. 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.
Highlands Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Highlands Rainbowfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level 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. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Highlands Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Highlands 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 surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Highlands Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Highlands Rainbowfish.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands Rainbowfish
How big does Highlands Rainbowfish get?
Highlands Rainbowfish (Chilatherina campsi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 9 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Highlands Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Highlands Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Highlands Rainbowfish need?
Highlands Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 21–26°C, a pH between 7 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Highlands Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Highlands 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 Highlands Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Highlands 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 Highlands Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Highlands Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Highlands Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Highlands 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 Highlands Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Highlands Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Mottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesHi Fin Peppered Cory
Scleromystax macropterus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Highlands Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Highlands Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Highlands Rainbowfish
Mountain Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia monticola
A striking and active schooling fish endemic to the high-altitude, fast-flowing mountain streams of Papua New Guinea. Because of their natural habitat, they are unique among Rainbowfish for requiring significantly cooler, highly oxygenated water. They feature a blue-grey to greenish body with a distinct black mid-lateral stripe and coppery golden scale margins.
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.
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia lacustris
A stunning, deep-bodied rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. Famous for their ability to shift colors from deep teal to bright iridescent blue depending on mood and water quality. They are active schooling fish that thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia kamaka
Endemic to the karst Lake Kamakawai in West Papua, this is a spectacular and distinctively deep-bodied rainbowfish. As they mature, males develop a robust chest and an intense silvery-blue to purplish sheen. Like all rainbowfish, they are highly active, schooling fish that require spacious tanks with plenty of horizontal swimming room and alkaline, hard water parameters.
Murray River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
A robust and active schooling fish native to the cooler waters of the Murray-Darling basin in Australia. Unlike many tropical rainbowfish, it thrives in subtropical or unheated aquariums at normal room temperatures. They are peaceful but extremely fast swimmers, requiring long tanks with plenty of open swimming space.
Lake Mbuta Rainbowfish
Pelangia mbutaensis
A very rare and Critically Endangered rainbowfish endemic to the swampy Lake Mbuta basin in West Papua, Indonesia. It is the sole member of the genus Pelangia. Characterized by a yellowish-tan body grading to silvery-white, they are peaceful, active schooling fish. They are virtually unseen in the standard aquarium trade.