Turquoise Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia lacustris, the Turquoise Rainbow, has long been a staple in the hobby. Both males and females display quite a bit of color, but males show a bright gold/orange stripe from the nose to the first dorsal fin when excited.

  These fish are omnivorous and should be fed a quality flake food with supplemental proteins such as baby brine shrimp. They require clean water but tolerate a wide variety of water parameters. By providing frequent water changes, you will be rewarded with nearly continuous spawning attempts. Melanotaenia species deposit eggs in weedy areas (often mimicked by a yarn mop) and the eggs hatch 7-10 days later. Eggs can be harvested for hatching in separate tanks to avoid predation. Most Rainbows show their best colors at sunrise, when the males display their bright fins for potential mates. Having more females than males will allow for proper color displays and avoid any unwanted aggression towards lone females.

Scientific Name: Melanotaenia lacustris

Common Name: Turquoise Rainbowfish

Max Size: 5"

pH: 7.0-8.0

Hardness: Moderate

Temperature: 70-80°

Aggressiveness: Peaceful

Region of Origin: Oceania

Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred

Diet: Small flake or pellet, small frozen or live foods

Compatibility: Schooling fish, livebearers, rainbowfish, small catfish. Peacock Gudgeons and Panda Garra are a great choice.

Tank Mate Options:

• Millenium Rainbowfish
• Wapoga Rainbowfish
• Parkinsoni Rainbowfish

***Please refer to our Shipping and Handling FAQ for vital details on order fulfillment time, shipping speed, and other important information prior to placing your order***