A striking, highly active schooling fish endemic to Lake Tebera in Papua New Guinea. They feature bright yellow to greenish-blue bodies with a distinct dark lateral stripe. As vigorous swimmers, they require long aquariums and do best in mixed-sex shoals, which encourages males to display their best colors. Due to their highland origin, they prefer slightly cooler, well-oxygenated, and alkaline water.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish At a Glance
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Lake Tebera Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Lake Tebera Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Lake Tebera Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are significantly more colorful with bright yellow/green bodies and a prominent dark lateral band. They become deeper-bodied as they mature and will actively spar and display to rival males and females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Lake Tebera, Male Axelrod's
Female
Females are slightly smaller, more slender, and have subdued, silvery-yellow coloration with rounded fin edges. Essential for keeping males colored up and diffusing harassment.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female Lake Tebera
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 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 Lake Tebera 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 20°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 7.2–8 and a general hardness of 8–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: 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.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Lake Tebera 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. 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.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Lake Tebera 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.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Lake Tebera 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
How big does Lake Tebera Rainbowfish get?
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Lake Tebera Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–25°C, a pH between 7.2 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Lake Tebera Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Lake Tebera 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Lake Tebera 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Lake Tebera Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Lake Tebera 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Lake Tebera Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Pacific Sturgeon
Acipenser transmontanus
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesEmerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesAgassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesGhost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Lake Tebera 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 Lake Tebera 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.
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.
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.
Bleher's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina bleheri
A stunning, highly active schooling fish endemic to Lake Holmes (Danau Bira) in Papua, Indonesia. Known for its distinct dual-coloration, with the front half being greenish-blue and the back half turning a vibrant red/orange. They are famously active darters and require long tanks with significant open swimming space and well-oxygenated 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.
Axelrod's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina axelrodi
A highly active, colorful schooling fish native to Papua New Guinea. Known for a bluish-grey upper body and yellowish-white lower body divided by a dark lateral stripe. Like most rainbowfish, they are incredibly fast, active swimmers that require pristine water, moderate flow, and significant horizontal swimming space.