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.
Waigeo Rainbowfish At a Glance
Waigeo Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Waigeo Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Waigeo Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Waigeo Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Waigeo Rainbowfish Water Parameters
Waigeo Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Waigeo Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Unsexed / Juvenile)
Rainbowfish are typically sold as silvery, unsexed juveniles. They must be kept in groups of at least 6 to feel secure, display natural schooling behaviors, and develop their mature colors.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Juvenile, Wild Type
Male
Adult males develop a deeper body profile and significantly more vibrant coloration. They sport a bluish-brown back, white belly, an extra-wide dark mid-lateral stripe, and reddish fins. Males will frequently 'flash' and display to females in the early mornings.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Show Male, Adult Male
Female
Females remain slightly smaller and retain a more slender, streamlined shape. Their colors are more muted and silvery-olive compared to the vivid males.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Waigeo Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Waigeo Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia catherinae, 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 Waigeo 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 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Waigeo Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Unsexed / Juvenile), 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.
Waigeo Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Waigeo 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.
Waigeo Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Waigeo 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 Waigeo Rainbowfish Is Actually For
Waigeo 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 Waigeo 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.
Waigeo Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Waigeo 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 Waigeo Rainbowfish
How big does Waigeo Rainbowfish get?
Waigeo Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia catherinae) 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 Waigeo Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Waigeo Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Waigeo Rainbowfish need?
Waigeo Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Waigeo Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Waigeo 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 Waigeo Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Waigeo 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 Waigeo Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Waigeo Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Waigeo Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Waigeo 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 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Waigeo Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Waigeo Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cheeked Goby
Rhinogobius duospilus
Ideal Tank MatesReticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesXenotilapia ochrogenys
Xenotilapia ochrogenys
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Waigeo Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Waigeo 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 Waigeo Rainbowfish
Misool Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia misoolensis
An active, schooling species endemic to the limestone karst streams of Misool Island in West Papua, Indonesia. They are found in moderately fast, clear waters flowing through primary rainforests. Like many rainbowfish, they are slow to mature but develop stunning colors and deep bodies as adults. They require hard, alkaline water and ample horizontal swimming space.
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.
New Guinea Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia affinis
An active, schooling species native to the streams of northern New Guinea. Known for their striking lateral stripe and vibrant fin coloration that flashes during morning displays. They are peaceful but highly energetic, requiring ample open swimming space and highly oxygenated water to thrive.
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.
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Glossolepis leggetti
A rare and highly active schooling fish native to the Wapoga and Tiawiwa River systems in West Papua, Indonesia. Known for its distinct sexual dimorphism as it matures, with males developing a deep arch and striking green/blue iridescence. Like most rainbowfish, they require highly oxygenated water, moderate flow, and significant horizontal swimming space.
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.