There are many species on this list that are endangered or threatened in the wild. When possible, always purchase fish from fish stores that buy from reputable breeders to ensure you are not buying fish taken from their native environments. Rainbowfish are classified by their elongated premaxillary teeth.

They live in freshwater, including rivers, lakes, and swamps. They prefer to live in planted areas and reproduce by laying eggs. Most rainbowfish species prefer schooling together in a small group. There are various sizes and body shapes in rainbowfish.

Here are some of the most colorful ones available from fish retailers. In a home aquarium, rainbowfish need well-oxygenated water with a pH level of 6. Provide plenty of aquatic plants to give them hiding places. If properly cared for, rainbowfish can live for 5 years in aquariums.

These rainbowfish are very easy to care for and are a common fish in many tropical community aquariums. They do well in groups, and the males' color will often get brighter when they are getting ready to spawn.

image from previous publication. The Axelrod, or Axelrodi rainbowfish, is named after tropical fish expert Herbert Axelrod. This species of rainbowfish has a lighter colored body with a blue-tinged abdomen.

The Axelrod rainbowfish prefers slower moving waters, mimicking the gentle streams of their native waters in the Yungkiri Stream of Papua New Guinea. Physical Characteristics: Wide body, light blue in color and horizontal dark bar along their sides. Desert rainbowfish, native to Australia, have silvery-white females and white males with purple or green-tinged fins.

Due to their limited range, they have very specific water quality requirements. A stark color variation compared to many more brightly colored rainbowfish species, this one may more easily hide in lighter-colored décor and is easier to see in darker environments. Physical Characteristics: Wide body, white to silver body with some green or purple on fins, depending on sex.

A note to fish keepers interested in the Madagascan rainbowfish is this species preference for low pH water. Their native habitats are characterized by extremely soft freshwater, with low pH and tannin-stained water.

These rainbowfish have a silver body with yellow fins, and males are more saturated with color than females. The Madagascan rainbowfish may do well with South American cichlids with similar water quality tolerances, such as discus and angelfish, and they like stronger current in their tanks.

The banded rainbowfish is a popular species of rainbowfish, given their bright coloration and peaceful nature. Native to Northern Australia freshwaters, males will have wider, more colorful bodies and a humped forehead. Both males and females have brightly-colored fins with a darker stripe along their midbody.

This species prefers being in small groups in planted tanks. Like some other species, males will become aggressive during breeding. In addition to stark differences in their required pH and temperature, the threadfin rainbowfish has a very unique body and fin shapes.

They prefer water that is soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic pH 6. They are significantly smaller than other species of rainbowfish, with thin bodies and long extensions on the dorsal and anal fins on males. The Celebes rainbowfish is a smaller, more slender species of rainbowfish.

This species likes to be kept in large schools of fish, so be sure to plan your aquarium accordingly so that you have enough room for everyone. The neon rainbowfish is one of the smallest rainbowfish species in the commercial market.

Given their smaller size, they like to be in larger groups of 10 or more individuals. They are very picky about their water quality parameters, so be sure to pay special attention to your water tests if you are adding a bunch of fish at once.

They are named for their neon blue and green coloration, which can present as a brilliant flash in your aquarium as they all school together. The Lake Kutubu rainbowfish is named for its origin at Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. Like most rainbowfish species, the males tend to be more vibrantly colored than females.

Males can be differentiated from females by their bright red coloration with high rounded back. In contrast, females have silver bodies with tints of yellow and green. Although the Lake Wanam rainbowfish is named for their origins in Lake Wanam in Papau New Guinea, you are very unlikely to find any remaining in their home waters.

The Lake Wanam rainbowfish is listed as critically endangered and not common in the hobby, and only sold through specialized breeders. As with any fish species you are looking to purchase, always consider if your fish is coming from a breeder or collected from wild stock.

The forktail rainbowfish is a small, slender species of rainbowfish with blue eyes and namesake forked tail. Their colors brighten during breeding season, with the males becoming brilliantly yellow. Given their small size, this species really likes being in large groups with lots of plants to hide in.

Also known as Duboulay's rainbowfish, the crimson-spotted rainbowfish is so named for its characteristic red spot on both sides of their head.

They are native to Australia and have been released into swamps and rivers to help combat mosquitos by eating the aquatic mosquito larvae. The Murray River rainbowfish, also known as Murray rainbowfish or Australian rainbowfish, have more subtle colors, often being a soft rainbow of blue, green, yellow or silver.

Male Murray River rainbowfish will have a bright orange stripe on their back end when they are getting ready to spawn. Physical Characteristics: Wide, silvery body with green-tinged scales. Fins may have yellow, red or orange pigmentation. Native to Australia, this rainbowfish can tolerate a wide range of water quality parameters and they breed readily in captivity.

The Parkinsoni rainbowfish is a mix of silver and vivid yellow colors. Depending on the individual, they may have a lot of yellow pigmentation on their sides, or only in their fins.

The spotted blue-eyed rainbowfish, also know as Gertrude's spotted rainbowfish, is a small species of rainbowfish that has a unique fin appearance with black spots and vivid yellow tint.

As its name implies, their eyes are ringed with blue, giving them a very vibrant appearance. This species of rainbowfish is very small, so they do best in schooling groups of 6 or more fish. Physical Characteristics: Narrow body, spots along dorsal and anal fins with yellow tint on tail fin, dorsal fin and body.

The Lake Tebera rainbowfish originates from Papau New Guinea near Lake Tebera. Like Axelrod's rainbowfish, this fish takes its scientific name from aquarist, Herbert Axelrod. They can have a vibrant yellow body with a black stripe along the middle of their sides. Their fins may be tinted red or yellow.

This is a critically endangered species, so be wary from where you purchase this species and ensure they are captive-bred individuals.

The Sentani rainbowfish shares its habitat with the red rainbowfish and is commonly mistaken for Chilatherina fasciata. Physical Characteristics: Wide , tan body with pale stripes and multicolored tail. A close relation to the desert rainbowfish, the Eastern rainbowfish has a more orange and grey coloration with iridescent scales.

They are best visualized in brightly lit aquariums with lots of plants. These are a larger rainbowfish species, but still do best in a small group. Native to the northern regions of Australia, Banded rainbowfish are rising in popularity due to their vibrant patterns, lively personalities, and ease of care.

True to their name, Banded rainbowfish feature a thick, dark mid-lateral band. An arched back and narrow head are also their trademarks. Like the majority of rainbowfish, the color of this species can vary slightly depending on where it was caught.

Since males can grow up to 6 inches long, you need a fish tank that is at least 4 feet tall and has a secure cover to prevent them from jumping out. The Boesemani rainbowfish is one of the most recognizable rainbowfish in the hobby due to its striking two-toned body.

Males feature a shiny blue front and an orange back. And compared to their smaller cousins, they have more almond-shaped profiles. This schooling species thrive when kept with other fast-swimming fish of comparable size.

Sparring between mature males can occur, but these are usually harmless duels. The Celebes rainbowfish is one of the smallest species in the Melanotaeniidae family.

Its scientific name honors both its discoverer, Werner Ladiges, and the village where it was discovered. The Celebes rainbowfish is a slender fish with a horizontal neon blue stripe down the back half of its body. It has two dorsal fins: one that is small and black, and another that is larger and two-toned.

The rest of the fins are lemon yellow with black markings. The pectoral fin is either black- or white-tipped or completely translucent. Sometimes, a Celebes rainbowfish can look like it has a forked tail. This species is named for the crimson-red spot found on both sides of their gill covers. The red-cheeked fish features a wide gray body with a broad stripe of magnificent blue running along the sides and two transverse bands of rich scarlet extended on the upper part of the fish towards the middle of the body.

These hardy fish tolerate wide yet stable water parameters and are happiest in dimly lit environments. This species of rainbowfish is named as such, as it hails from the scorching desert of Central Australia.

This hardy species has thriving populations in slow-flowing and still habitats where they breed in large numbers. These fish are usually silver and iridescent, with a yellow and green checkered pattern on their fins. You no longer have a reason to be blue. You can now add a splash of sapphire to your tank with this rainbowfish from Lake Kutubu Turquoise Rainbowfish!

The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish boast shimmering scales of teal or cobalt blue on their upper bodies, which fade into a green hue. These fish have narrow, triangular heads and elongated bodies that deepen with age. There is a wide range of compatible tankmates for this species.

Their medium size makes them a good dither fish for semi-aggressive fish like cichlids. However, these rainbows need to be in a group of at least eight for them to feel at home.

Rainbowfish from Lake Tebera have golden yellow bodies decorated with a black mid-lateral stripe. Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins have a red or yellow tint.

Their peaceful nature makes them fantastic additions to community tanks with a heavily planted setup. The water flow should be slow, and the tank should be large enough to accommodate each fish. These fish do not do well in soft, acidic environments, but they are otherwise easy to care for.

This rainbowfish from Lake Wanam has a metallic green body with a rosy flush underneath its gills. The anterior scales below the lateral line are marked with narrow orange lines that become green or bluish towards the tail. The anal fin of the male is large and elongated, reaching a depth of nearly an inch.

Sadly, the Lake Wanam Rainbowfish is now listed as a critically endangered species due to competition against some invasive species of tilapia. If you want these fish, you can get them from specialized breeders.

The Madagascar Rainbowfish is easily identified by its torpedo-shaped body, light yellowish-brown coloration. A black line with a metallic blue sheen runs parallel across its body, and a second, shorter, fainter line runs beneath the first.

The tails and fins of male Madagascars are outlined in red. Females, on the other hand, look just like males except that they have faintly colored or clear fins.

When kept in a large group, the Madagascan rainbowfish gets along well with South American cichlids that require similar water conditions, such as Discus and Angelfish.

These petite fish also enjoy strong currents in their tank. The Murray River Rainbowfish have silver bodies with green-tinged scales and yellow, red, or orange fins. Like many other rainbowfish, the males will be urged to show off their best colors in the company of females.

A vivid orange stripe will appear on their backs, indicating that the males are ready to spawn. They can be quite skittish when kept in small numbers. So, keep them in a shoal of at least eight, ideally more. A tank of sufficient size would be needed to accommodate a very large group. These rainbowfish feel most at home in a densely planted aquarium.

While they are peaceful, their size and swift movements may disturb smaller, slower-moving fish. The Neon Rainbowfish is native to the Mamberamo River in West Papua and the jungle streams of Western New Guinea.

These petite almond-shaped fish are named for their neon blue and green coloration that flashes under the light. Given their smaller size, they prefer to be in a large group of 10 or more. Despite their small size, these fish are not recommended for beginning aquarists due to their hypersensitivity to changes in water conditions and water parameters.

Red Irian rainbowfish easily add a rich diversity of colors to your tank. While males come in bright red, females have silver bodies with yellow and green undertones. Red Irian rainbowfish can grow to be six inches long and resemble the shape of an American football. Despite their potential for growth, it is crucial to keep these fish in groups of at least 10 that include both sexes.

You, therefore, need a sizable aquarium! The males enjoy enhancing their coloration and putting on amazing displays to attract females. But in the case of Red Irians, they lose their color rather quickly when there are no females nearby. Rainbowfish require well-oxygenated water in their home aquarium.

Because these fish come from different parts of the world, their water quality requirements will vary.

Therefore, you must check the water parameters before housing two or more rainbowfish in the same tank. Bear in mind that most species of rainbowfish will have less colorful females.

In this article, I will walk you through a detailed guide that will definitely help you form a solid understanding of their dietary requirements, water conditions, and pretty much everything related to this peaceful fish.

Rainbow Fish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia, is a part of the Melanotaeniidae family. They love to travel through moderate to strong water currents and prefer living in heavily planted aquariums.

Their peaceful temperament, coupled with their ability to get along with other freshwater fish species, makes them ideal for community tanks. Experienced aquarists all around the world seek them out. And beginners who are reluctant to take a further step in their fish-keeping journey should definitely give this freshwater fish a try.

Rainbow Fish are native to Australia and Indonesia. They were first sighted in by a British ichthyologist called Charles Regan Tata. Ever since their discovery, many ichthyologists from different parts of the world have been successful in bringing other Rainbow Fish species to notice.

Their natural habitats are scattered across different regions of Australia and Indonesia. Including the Raja Ampat Islands, Cendrawasih Bay, New Guinea, and other parts of Northern and Eastern Australia. Their body coloring gives them a mesmerizing appearance. While they come in different shapes and sizes and have contrasting water conditions, they are pretty good at scaling up the beauty of your fish tank.

Some types of rainbowfish species stretch themselves up to 4. Their body size generally depends on their type. Rainbow fish have large eyes and elongated premaxillary teeth.

They have a pair of top fins, sitting at a little distance from each other, and a pelvic and anal fin. And in most types of rainbowfish, the anal fin appears red.

They have spiny dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. These spines help them prevent falling prey to any mishap in the wild.

The first of the dorsal fins has almost 6 spines on it, while the second has up to And the anal spine comprises almost 30 spines. You can see their pelvic fin attached to their rose-colored abdomens with a vulnerable sheet of skin that travels the length of their deep-seated ray.

As compared to an adult rainbow Fish, a juvenile rainbow fish has somewhat dim top fins. However, the coloration of the fins becomes vivid once it grows up.

The difference between a male and a female rainbow fish is the deepness of body coloring. The males are dazzling while the females come in duller body shades.

Apart from this, females are plumper, while males are slender and have pointed fins. Here are some of the most famous rainbow fish types to consider adding to your community fish tanks.

Check out the video below from our Official YouTube Channel for a visual treat. If you like our content, be sure to subscribe! A stand-out rainbowfish.

Small long bodies with long fins. They are one of the smallest Rainbowfish available. Among other rainbowfish species, the Threadfin rainbowfish stand out pretty well.

Their small-scale bodies with red tints on their fins add up to their uniqueness and aquarium beauty. They are the smallest species in their group you will ever come across. To differentiate between a male Threadfin Rainbowfish and a female Threadfin Rainbowfish, look at their anal and dorsal fins.

The males have filaments sticking out from their anal and dorsal fins, while the females completely lack them. Familiar to the freshwaters of Northern Australia, Banded rainbowfish now dominate the community tanks with their captivating appearance video from Imperial Tropicals.

They are peaceful and love to swim through soft-moving waters. Murray River rainbowfish, also known as Australian rainbowfish are native habitats of the rivers of South-eastern Australia. The beautiful color pattern of this Australian rainbow fish makes it mesmerizing and ideal for freshwater tanks.

The Australian rainbowfish has yellow fins which sometimes give reddish or orangish hues. The male fish has gleaming stripes on its back that look more prominent during the spawning season. With their two-toned wide bodies and deferential nature, The Boesemani rainbowfish is famous in the aquarium trade for the right reasons!

Boesemani rainbowfish are large and thrive in groups in big water tanks. Coming from the regions of Indonesia, the Boesemani rainbow fish prefers warm water temperatures and high pH levels.

Native to New Guinea, the Red Irian rainbowfish is now a favorite fish of aquarists. Their dietary requirements are the same as most tropical fish and they are quite relaxed around their tank mates.

The Red Irian rainbowfish is 6 inches in length, which makes it pretty big. The male fish look vibrant but loses its spark when the female is not around. Desert rainbowfish are hard to find in the aquarium trade video source.

A desert rainbowfish comes in 3 different shades, ranging from silver to bluish-green. Usually, the females have silver-colored bodies with translucent fins. However, the male desert rainbowfish have purple-tinted fins and hues of cyan visible throughout their bodies.

Red rainbowfish or Salmon Red rainbowfish video source originate from Indonesia and actively take part in increasing the beauty standard of aquariums around the world.

They are beginner-friendlyand have trouble-free care needs overall. Red Rainbowfish float in warm temperatures and can adjust themselves to changing water conditions. You can say that Lake Tebera rainbowfish and Lake Kutubo rainbowfish are townsfolk.

Because both species are native to New Guinea. Lake Tebera rainbowfish look bright yellow with a dark stripe that runs along the middle of their sides.

Celebes rainbowfish and Threadfine rainbowfish almost look alike. The Celebes rainbowfish has strands sticking out from the dorsal fins that look yellowish-golden. They got their name from their native hometown, which is Madagascar video source.

Madagascar rainbowfish have silver bodies mixed with pale yellow hues. Madagascar rainbowfish are not good at tolerating shifting water conditions. They are used to soft water with low pH levels.

Lake Wanam rainbowfish look spectacular video source. They have charming bodies, which are 4 inches in length. They can withstand slightly different water conditions.

But drastic changes in water parameters can put their health in danger. The male and female Lake Wanam rainbowfish own long and transparent dorsal fins. And therefore, unlike with other fish, running across them is nearly impossible. The Neon rainbowfish or Dwarf Neon rainbowfish , is famous for its sparkling neon blue body color with red and orange fins.

Their bodies are wide and they love big tanks to enjoy roaming around. The easy way to identify a male and a female Neon rainbowfish is to look at their body size.

The males have larger bodies while the females have slimmer. Another difference is their slightly contrasting fins. Male Neon rainbowfish have red fins, while the females have orange-tinted fins. Lake Kutubu rainbowfish can easily disguise themselves by changing their color.

They are the natural inhabitants of Lake Kutubu in New Guinea. Similar to other species of rainbowfish, the male lake Kutubu rainbowfish has vibrant body shades. They look dazzling blue and have yellow abdomens while the female fish have somber body coloring.

The Axelrod Rainbowfish video source , also known as Axelrodi rainbow fish, originates from Papua, New Guinea. This fish is named after the famous tropical fish expert Herbert Axelrod,.

The Axelrod Rainbow fish prefer waters that are soft and fresh, resembling their hometown Yungkiri Stream of Papua New Guinea.

They have light silvery bodies, with the males having dark yellow spots on their fins. They also have various small-sized stripes scattered across their bodies. The Forktail rainbow fish is another small freshwater tank fish that looks yellow.

They are native to the river called Kwagira of Papua, New Guinea. They have blue eyes and silver-colored bodies, with the males displaying a bright yellow color while spawning. But they have yellow fins and outlined bottom and top bodies, giving them a unique characteristic.

The lifespan of rainbow fish varies. Some species live up to 8 years, while others can die as young as 3 in the wild. Because of hailing from different Indonesian and Australian regions, keeping the fish healthy is important.

Especially if they are placed with a different fish species. Some fish can tolerate deviations in water parameters. But the same water conditions can be nearly fatal for others. The average size of rainbow fish spans between 2 inches to 7.

You will find some fish sold at a very young age when their size is under-developing. Rapid colour changes eg stress responses are largely under control of the nervous system although hormones may also be involved. The colour of fishes can also vary with the seasons, between day and night and even with changes in habitat and food.

There are two kinds of cells that give colour to fishes, chromatophores and iridiophores also called iridocytes. The Chromatophores are located in the dermis of the skin, above or below the scales. They impart true colour rather than structural colour and contain black, red, yellow, blue, white and rarely green pigment granules called chromatosomes.

Only one colour is found in each chromatophore. Colour changes result from chromatosomes concentrating in the centre of the chromatophore or dispersing throughout the cell.

Iridiophores contain highly reflective guanine crystals. The crystals act as mirrors, which reflect the colours of the outside environment. Iridiophores are responsible for the silvery appearance of many pelagic fishes.

The picture at left, of a young, male Melanotaenia lacustris , shows the iridescence given by its iridiophores on the sides of the fish and fins, most noticeably as silver on the underside and as an opaline play of yellow, green, turquoise, blue and violet colours on the upper body and fins.

The dark blue stripe in the caudal end of the fish and the orange-red rows of dots between the scales are due to the chromatophores located there. This species changes colour very noticeably, depending upon mood, time of day and whether the fish is displaying for some reason.

Two types of colour change are notable. The first being in the general ability to change body colour, stripes and patches, and the second being the ability to change the colour of a specific colour blaze that runs along the top of the body from the forehead to the dorsal fins.

The colour blaze is shown clearly in the photograph, at right. The black chromatophores are also more prominent in that individual. It is this second colour change that I find fascinating, as the colour changes very rapidly in flashes. One commentator described the flashes in Melanotaenia lacustris in the following way: a "dominant or spawning male is a sight to behold and a true wonder of nature.

His forehead turns a really bright orange in colour and then flashes various shades of blue, green, purple and violet.

These colour changes may last up to about 1 second for each shade but continually change whilst the male is spawning which in turn can last for 30 minutes or more. These colours are almost as bright and attractive as a series of neon lights.

boesemani there is a similar, bright, iridescent, green stripe or blaze running from the mouth, along the top of the head and back to the second dorsal fin. The picture, at left, clearly shows a pale, blue colour along the head of M.

boesemani but does not capture the iridescence well. When viewed from above, this stripe is bright and very prominent.

Red-hot romances, poolside fiction, and blockbuster picks, oh my! Start reading the hottest books of the summer. This Month's New Releases. From heart-pounding thrillers to poignant memoirs and everything in between, check out what's new this month. Tell us what you like and we'll recommend books you'll love.

Sign up and get a free ebook! The Rainbow Fish Colors Part of Rainbow Fish. By Marcus Pfister. Published by NorthSouth Books. Buy from Other Retailers. About The Book Explore the undersea world of colors in this board book from the N ew York Times bestselling Rainbow Fish series. A red starfish, a blue whale, an orange sea horse Bold, simple images, reinforced by facing pages in the labeled color, make this appealing board book the perfect way to teach colors to very young children.

Marcus Pfister. High Resolution Images Book Cover Image jpg : The Rainbow Fish Colors Board Book Get a FREE ebook by joining our mailing list today! By clicking 'Sign me up' I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy and Notice of Financial Incentive.

Free ebook offer available to NEW US subscribers only. Must redeem within 90 days. See full terms and conditions and this month's choices. More books from this author: Marcus Pfister. SEE ALL. Males, especially when competing with other males, exhibit iridescent yellow and blue coloration on their bodies and fins.

Females are typically smaller and often possess an orange-yellow hue. These exotic fish congregate in large schools in densely forested areas of Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia. Having said that, they are excellent candidates for the planted aquarium.

These petite fish dwell in crystal-clear streams teeming with vegetation. Forktail rainbowfish have silver bodies with bright yellow stripes. But their most eye-catching feature has to be their icy blue eyes, reminiscent of the White Walkers in Game of Thrones! These fish have upturned pectoral fins, which are translucent.

But because of their yellow tips, they look as though they are waving little pom poms as they swim around. Named after the tropical fish expert Herbert Axelrod, this species hails from the Yungkiri Stream of Papua New Guinea. The Axelrod rainbowfish has a teal-blue coloration above its lateral line and a silver-gray coloration below.

Black spots are scattered across the lateral line, while faint black vertical stripes cover the abdominal area. Some of its fins have a golden-yellow tinge. Axelrods are fantastic fish for beginners to have, as they are easy to care for.

A dark-colored substrate works best to bring out the natural color of the fish. Native to the northern regions of Australia, Banded rainbowfish are rising in popularity due to their vibrant patterns, lively personalities, and ease of care.

True to their name, Banded rainbowfish feature a thick, dark mid-lateral band. An arched back and narrow head are also their trademarks. Like the majority of rainbowfish, the color of this species can vary slightly depending on where it was caught.

Since males can grow up to 6 inches long, you need a fish tank that is at least 4 feet tall and has a secure cover to prevent them from jumping out. The Boesemani rainbowfish is one of the most recognizable rainbowfish in the hobby due to its striking two-toned body. Males feature a shiny blue front and an orange back.

And compared to their smaller cousins, they have more almond-shaped profiles. This schooling species thrive when kept with other fast-swimming fish of comparable size.

Sparring between mature males can occur, but these are usually harmless duels. The Celebes rainbowfish is one of the smallest species in the Melanotaeniidae family. Its scientific name honors both its discoverer, Werner Ladiges, and the village where it was discovered.

The Celebes rainbowfish is a slender fish with a horizontal neon blue stripe down the back half of its body. It has two dorsal fins: one that is small and black, and another that is larger and two-toned. The rest of the fins are lemon yellow with black markings.

The pectoral fin is either black- or white-tipped or completely translucent. Sometimes, a Celebes rainbowfish can look like it has a forked tail. This species is named for the crimson-red spot found on both sides of their gill covers.

The red-cheeked fish features a wide gray body with a broad stripe of magnificent blue running along the sides and two transverse bands of rich scarlet extended on the upper part of the fish towards the middle of the body. These hardy fish tolerate wide yet stable water parameters and are happiest in dimly lit environments.

This species of rainbowfish is named as such, as it hails from the scorching desert of Central Australia. This hardy species has thriving populations in slow-flowing and still habitats where they breed in large numbers. These fish are usually silver and iridescent, with a yellow and green checkered pattern on their fins.

You no longer have a reason to be blue. You can now add a splash of sapphire to your tank with this rainbowfish from Lake Kutubu Turquoise Rainbowfish!

The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish boast shimmering scales of teal or cobalt blue on their upper bodies, which fade into a green hue. These fish have narrow, triangular heads and elongated bodies that deepen with age. There is a wide range of compatible tankmates for this species.

Their medium size makes them a good dither fish for semi-aggressive fish like cichlids. However, these rainbows need to be in a group of at least eight for them to feel at home. Rainbowfish from Lake Tebera have golden yellow bodies decorated with a black mid-lateral stripe.

Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins have a red or yellow tint. Their peaceful nature makes them fantastic additions to community tanks with a heavily planted setup.

The water flow should be slow, and the tank should be large enough to accommodate each fish. These fish do not do well in soft, acidic environments, but they are otherwise easy to care for.

This rainbowfish from Lake Wanam has a metallic green body with a rosy flush underneath its gills. The anterior scales below the lateral line are marked with narrow orange lines that become green or bluish towards the tail.

The anal fin of the male is large and elongated, reaching a depth of nearly an inch. Sadly, the Lake Wanam Rainbowfish is now listed as a critically endangered species due to competition against some invasive species of tilapia.

If you want these fish, you can get them from specialized breeders. The Madagascar Rainbowfish is easily identified by its torpedo-shaped body, light yellowish-brown coloration.

A black line with a metallic blue sheen runs parallel across its body, and a second, shorter, fainter line runs beneath the first. The tails and fins of male Madagascars are outlined in red.

Females, on the other hand, look just like males except that they have faintly colored or clear fins. When kept in a large group, the Madagascan rainbowfish gets along well with South American cichlids that require similar water conditions, such as Discus and Angelfish.

These petite fish also enjoy strong currents in their tank. The Murray River Rainbowfish have silver bodies with green-tinged scales and yellow, red, or orange fins. Like many other rainbowfish, the males will be urged to show off their best colors in the company of females. A vivid orange stripe will appear on their backs, indicating that the males are ready to spawn.

They can be quite skittish when kept in small numbers. So, keep them in a shoal of at least eight, ideally more. A tank of sufficient size would be needed to accommodate a very large group.

These rainbowfish feel most at home in a densely planted aquarium. While they are peaceful, their size and swift movements may disturb smaller, slower-moving fish.