A rare and stunning schooling fish endemic to the Lorentz River system in West Papua. Belonging to the 'maccullochi' species group, they are relatively small for rainbowfish. They feature a distinct dark mid-lateral stripe and striking horizontal red/orange stripes between their scales. They are incredibly active, peaceful, and thrive in groups where males will 'flash' vibrant colors during morning spawning displays.
Ogilby's Rainbowfish At a Glance
Ogilby's Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Ogilby's Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Ogilby's Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Ogilby's Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Ogilby's Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Ogilby's Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Ogilby's Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males exhibit a striking pattern of red/orange horizontal stripes, a bold black mid-lateral band, and slightly elongated, reddish fins. They are deeper-bodied than females and highly active.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Adult Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller, have a shallower body depth, and possess translucent or pale yellowish fins. Their body colors are significantly more muted, but they are essential for creating a natural, low-stress shoal to encourage male coloration.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female, Unsexed Juvenile
Ogilby's Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Ogilby's Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia ogilbyi, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 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 Ogilby's 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 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Ogilby's 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.
Ogilby's Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Ogilby's 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 and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Ogilby's Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Ogilby's 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.
Ogilby's Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Ogilby's 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 Ogilby's Rainbowfish
How big does Ogilby's Rainbowfish get?
Ogilby's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia ogilbyi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Ogilby's Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Ogilby's Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Ogilby's Rainbowfish need?
Ogilby's Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Ogilby's Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Ogilby's 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 Ogilby's Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Ogilby's 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 Ogilby's Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Ogilby's Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Ogilby's Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Ogilby's 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 Ogilby's Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Ogilby's 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 Ogilby's Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Ogilby's 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 Ogilby's Rainbowfish
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
A smaller, peaceful species of rainbowfish native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. They feature striking silver/yellow bodies with horizontal red, brown, or orange stripes. Unlike larger Melanotaenia species, their smaller size makes them suitable for medium aquariums. They are highly active schooling fish that require open swimming space and display their best colors in the morning.
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina lorentzii
A rare and beautiful rainbowfish native to slow-flowing, shaded rainforest streams in New Guinea. They thrive in unusually warm, alkaline waters compared to some other rainbowfish. As active, schooling fish, they require plenty of swimming space alongside dense planting and floating plants to mimic their natural shadowed habitat.
Fly River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia sexlineata
A brilliantly colored, peaceful dwarf rainbowfish native to the upper Fly River system in Papua New Guinea. Recognized by its golden-turquoise sheen, distinctive horizontal stripes, and sometimes bright pink lips. Being an exceptionally active shoaling species, they require significant lateral swimming space despite their small size.
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia pygmaea
The smallest member of the Melanotaenia genus, endemic to the Prince Regent River area in Western Australia. They are highly active, schooling fish known for their stunning iridescent blue and mauve coloration in males. Despite their small size, they require ample horizontal swimming space to accommodate their energetic nature.
Highlands Rainbowfish
Chilatherina campsi
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.
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.