A critically endangered species (IUCN Red List) endemic to Lake Wanam in Papua New Guinea. Known for the extreme deep-bodied shape and metallic green-bronze colors that mature males develop. They are fast, active schooling fish that require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space. Excellent for large planted aquariums.
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish At a Glance
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Lake Wanam Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Lake Wanam Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Lake Wanam Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
Mature males develop a spectacular, radically deep-bodied (compressed) appearance with metallic green and bronze colors, and extended fins. They display continuously to females and rivals within the shoal.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Emerald Rainbowfish Male, Deep-bodied, Show Male
Female
Females (and juveniles) are slender, lacking the deep chest of the mature males, and possess subdued silvery-green coloration. They are essential to keep in a school alongside males to encourage natural behaviors and diffuse male spar-chasing.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Unsexed Juvenile, Female Wanam
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Lake Wanam Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Glossolepis wanamensis, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 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 Lake Wanam 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 24°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Lake Wanam Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard) 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 Wanam Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Lake Wanam 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.
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Lake Wanam 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.
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Lake Wanam Rainbowfish.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
How big does Lake Wanam Rainbowfish get?
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish (Glossolepis wanamensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Lake Wanam Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Lake Wanam Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Lake Wanam Rainbowfish need?
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–30°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Lake Wanam Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Lake Wanam 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 Wanam Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Lake Wanam 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 Wanam Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Lake Wanam 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 Wanam Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Lake Wanam 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 Wanam Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Lake Wanam Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Mottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesDainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Lake Wanam 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 Wanam Rainbowfish
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.
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.
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia ajamaruensis
A highly active, schooling rainbowfish endemic to the Ayamaru Lakes in West Papua, Indonesia. Currently listed as Critically Endangered in the wild. It is closely related to Boeseman's Rainbowfish but possesses a notably more slender body and more prominent reddish-brown horizontal striping. They thrive in hard, alkaline water with dense vegetation and require significant horizontal swimming space.
Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
An incredibly popular and active schooling fish endemic to the Ajamaru Lakes in West Papua, Indonesia (currently listed as Endangered in the wild by the IUCN due to overfishing and habitat loss, though commercially captive-bred). Famous for the mature male's spectacular blue and orange split-coloration. They require long tanks for active swimming, excellent oxygenation, and warm, hard, alkaline water to thrive.
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.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
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.