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Rainbowfish

Explore all rainbowfish in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 Fish Profiles

Boeseman's Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani

Rainbowfish
10 cm Peaceful

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.

Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox)

Melanotaenia praecox

Rainbowfish
7 cm Peaceful

A brilliant, active schooling fish native to the Mamberamo River basin in West Papua. Known for their iridescent neon-blue bodies, they are an energetic and peaceful addition to community tanks. Because of their high activity levels, they require ample open swimming space alongside planted areas. They are fast eaters and may outcompete shy tank mates for food.

Red Rainbowfish

Glossolepis incisus

Rainbowfish
15 cm Mostly Peaceful

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.

Threadfin Rainbowfish

Iriatherina werneri

Rainbowfish
5 cm Peaceful

A delicate and exquisitely shaped nano rainbowfish native to New Guinea and Northern Australia. They are famous for the males' long, filamentous fins and butterfly-like display behavior. Due to their incredibly small throats, they require micro-foods. They are shoaling fish that are easily intimidated by boisterous tank mates.

Turquoise Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia lacustris

Rainbowfish
12 cm Peaceful

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.