Blue Rainbow
Blue Rainbow
Description
Blue Rainbow fish are probably one of the most beautiful representatives of the spike fish species. With its intensely bright and interlocking shades of blue, it becomes a diamond in the living room.
Its calm nature and balanced character convey harmony and peace and provide an ideal haven of calm to slow down in the otherwise hectic everyday life, gallantly outshining any favorite series.
Its big eyes seem to almost ask: And how was your day?
The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris), which is exclusively found in Lake Kutubu and its outlet in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea, is also referred to by tropical fish hobbyists as the Turquoise Rainbow or Blue Rainbowfish.
The limestone substrate of Lake Kutubu, which is primarily fed by subterranean springs, creates a highly alkaline (pH 8.5–9.0) environment for the species.
Although Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish require a tank of at least 30 gallons in size since they are aggressive swimmers, a 55-gallon tank is suggested as the minimum for housing a school of adults due to their size when fully grown.
The ideal environment for turquoise rainbowfish is a tank containing at least 6 other fish of the same species. They should not be mixed in with other rainbowfish species due to their "Vulnerable" designation on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and to avoid interbreeding.
Melanotaenia lacustris can also live in a group aquarium, where they get along well with other fish of a similar size, including Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Discus, Angels, Barbs, Dwarf Gouramis, Livebearers, Corydoras, Plecos, and other species of fish.
I. Size
- Average Adult Size: 1.2 - 1.5 inches (3 - 3.8 cm)
- Maximum Adult Size: 12 cm (4.7 in)
- Swimming Level: Middle level
II. You would love the fish because…
It has a dark blue longitudinal band that begins at the base of the tail and disappears halfway up the dorsal fin before being broken by a golden-yellow glob of pigment. The lips of its terminal mouth are thickened and highly sharp.
The Blue Rainbowfish has relatively large eyes about its body size. It is a happy and well-behaved fish in the aquarium.
III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?
- Recommended: 6 and more
- Recommended Male/Female – 1:1
- Overall hostility: Peaceful
- Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
- Hostility towards other Species: Peaceful
IV. Species compatibility
Peaceful barbs, rasboras, catfish, danios, cichlids, and Kribensis
V. How to feed this species?
Rainbowfish are omnivores and need both vegetable matter and meat-based foods in their diet. Melanotaeniids will thrive on Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Spirulina Flakes, and Betta Treat.
Recommended food
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Optimum Fish Food
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TETRA BITS Complete Bio-Active Formula Flake Adult Fish Food
Word for the wise
