Price's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina pricei
A rare, energetic, and beautiful species native to the Reifafeif River on Yapen Island, Indonesia. They form midwater aggregations in main river channels over rocks and boulders. Like most large rainbowfishes, they are rapid, continuous swimmers that require long aquariums with moderate to high water flow and pristine, oxygen-rich conditions.
Price's Rainbowfish At a Glance
Price's Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Price's Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Price's Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Price's Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Price's Rainbowfish Water Parameters
Price's Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Price's Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Juvenile / Unsexed
Like most rainbowfish, juveniles are usually sold relatively colorless and silvery. They take several months to mature and reveal their true adult colors.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Standard
Male
Males are significantly more colorful than females. As they mature, their body becomes noticeably deeper and more compressed. They display brightly to females in the mornings.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Adult Male, Breeder
Female
Females are more slender than males and remain noticeably less colorful (often silvery or pale). Keeping a ratio of 1 male to 1-2 females reduces harassment and encourages better male displays.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Price's Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Price's Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Chilatherina pricei, 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 Price's Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Price's Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Juvenile / 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.
Price's Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Price's Rainbowfish, a high 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 smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Price's Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Price'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, 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 surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Price's Rainbowfish Is Actually For
Price's 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 smooth gravel.
The most common mistake is buying Price's 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.
Price's Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Price's Rainbowfish.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Price's Rainbowfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Price's Rainbowfish will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Price's Rainbowfish
How big does Price's Rainbowfish get?
Price's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina pricei) 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 Price's Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Price's Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Price's Rainbowfish need?
Price's Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Price's Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Price'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 Price's Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Price'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 Price's Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Price's Rainbowfish benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Price's Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Price'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.
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 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Price's Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Price's Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Reticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesRaspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
Ideal Tank MatesXenotilapia ochrogenys
Xenotilapia ochrogenys
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesPetricola Catfish
Synodontis petricola
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Price's Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Price's Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Price's Rainbowfish
Japen Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia japenensis
The Japen (or Yapen) Rainbowfish is a rare and striking schooling species endemic to Yapen Island in Papua, Indonesia. Like most rainbowfish, they are active swimmers that display their best colors in established aquariums with high water quality and plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are sexually dimorphic and thrive in slightly alkaline, moderately hard water.
Angfa Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia angfa
A beautiful and active schooling fish native to the Yakati River system in West Papua. Named in honor of the Australia New Guinea Fishes Association (ANGFA). Like many large rainbowfish, they are vigorous swimmers that require long aquariums to thrive. They display their best colors in well-planted tanks with clean, well-oxygenated water.
Waigeo Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia catherinae
A rare but beautiful schooling fish endemic to the streams and springs of Waigeo Island in West Papua, Indonesia. They are highly active, energetic mid-water swimmers. Like most rainbowfishes, they are peaceful and thrive in planted community tanks that still offer plenty of open swimming space. They display a distinctive, unusually wide mid-lateral stripe and reddish fins.
Allen's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina alleni
A rare and highly active rainbowfish native to West Papua, Indonesia (Wapoga River basin). Known as the 'Wapoga Rainbowfish', they undergo a dramatic color transformation as they mature, developing intense metallic blues, greens, and reds. As exceptionally fast, continuous swimmers, they require a 4-foot (120cm) aquarium minimum to thrive without stress.
Spotted Rainbowfish
Glossolepis maculosus
A small, beautiful rainbowfish endemic to the Markham and Ramu river systems of Papua New Guinea. Unusually small for a Glossolepis species, it features a greenish-bronze body adorned with up to eight distinct black spots along its sides. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in densely planted aquariums with slow-moving water.
Mubi Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia mubiensis
A rare, energetic, and colorful schooling fish native to the clear, limestone-filtered streams of the Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. As they mature, males develop striking colors and deep bodies. Like most rainbowfish, they are highly active, requiring long aquariums with moderate flow and moderately hard, alkaline water to thrive.