Mamberamo Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia mamberamo
Commonly known in the trade as the Red Dragon or Sepik Rainbowfish (widely recognized scientifically as Glossolepis multisquamata). Native to the floodplains and swampy lagoons of the Mamberamo river basin in New Guinea. This stunning, highly active schooling fish brings brilliant metallic colors to the aquarium. Unlike many rainbowfish that need hard/alkaline water, this species thrives in slightly acidic to neutral environments. They are peaceful but require long tanks to accommodate their energetic swimming habits.
Mamberamo Rainbowfish At a Glance
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Mamberamo Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Mamberamo Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Mamberamo Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Water Parameters
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
Males exhibit a bright metallic blue on the upper half and intense red/orange on the lower half. As they mature, they develop a significantly deeper body and arched back typical of their genus. They display their brightest colors during morning spawning rituals.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Red Dragon Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller, noticeably more slender, and lack the intense red/blue coloration, appearing mostly silvery-green. Keeping a ratio of more females than males reduces harassment and encourages males to display better colors.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Unsexed Juvenile
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Mamberamo Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia mamberamo, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a compressed 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 Mamberamo Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.2–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Mamberamo 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.
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Mamberamo Rainbowfish, a low 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.
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Mamberamo 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.
Who Mamberamo Rainbowfish Is Actually For
Mamberamo 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 makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Mamberamo 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.
Mamberamo Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Mamberamo Rainbowfish.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Mamberamo Rainbowfish
How big does Mamberamo Rainbowfish get?
Mamberamo Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia mamberamo) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Mamberamo Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Mamberamo Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Mamberamo Rainbowfish need?
Mamberamo Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6.2 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Mamberamo Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Mamberamo 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 Mamberamo Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Mamberamo 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 Mamberamo Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Mamberamo Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Mamberamo Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Mamberamo 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Mamberamo Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Mamberamo 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 MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesSan Juan Cory
Corydoras bilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Mamberamo Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Mamberamo Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Mamberamo Rainbowfish
Sepik Rainbowfish
Glossolepis multisquamata
The Sepik Rainbowfish, also known as the Rosy Rainbowfish, is a vibrant schooling fish native to the floodplains, swampy lagoons, and slow-moving rivers of New Guinea. They are highly active swimmers that display stunning metallic and red coloration. They thrive in densely planted aquariums with ample open swimming space and require a group to feel secure and display their best colors.
Kabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
A rare and active schooling fish endemic to the Sepik and Ramu river basins of Papua New Guinea. Known for their silvery-green to blue iridescence, they inhabit slow-moving rivers, swampy lagoons, and oxbow lakes. Like most rainbowfish, they require ample horizontal swimming space and thrive in planted aquariums with stable, clean water.
Red Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
Native to Lake Sentani in Indonesia, this species is famous for the brilliant salmon-red coloration of mature males. They are large, active schooling fish that develop a distinct high-arched back as they age. Females are vastly different in appearance (olive-gold). They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space.
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia rubripinnis
A stunning, active schooling fish native to the Wapoga River system of West Papua. They thrive in planted aquariums with moderate flow, mimicking their natural habitat of streams and shaded pools. Like most rainbowfish, they are peaceful but extremely active and require plenty of lateral swimming room.
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.
Sentani Rainbowfish
Chilatherina sentaniensis
A critically endangered and highly active shoaling fish endemic to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia. Known for their energetic, almost chaotic swimming patterns and ravenous feeding habits. While rarely seen in the general trade, they are highly prized; males develop spectacular blood-red to pinkish hues and arched backs as they mature. Requires a large aquarium with significant open swimming space and clean, oxygen-rich water.