Lake kutubu rainbowfish - Melanotaenia lacustris

Scientific name: Melanotaenia lacustris

Common name: Lake kutubu rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 11 - 13 cm (4.33 - 5.12 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.6

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 25 °C (69.8 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Lake kutubu rainbowfish are omnivorous, feed with quality vegetable based flakes or pellets. Live foods should be given as a treat on a weekly basis. Blood worms and brine shrimp are ideal for this.

Origin

Asia; Lake kutubu rainbowfish is found in the upper Southern Highlands of New Guinea.

Sexing

When the males are mature they will have deeper bodies than the females and display brighter coloration.

Breeding

Spawning mops or plants should be added to the breeding tank. The parents will spawn easily if conditioned on meaty foods. Once they have spawned remove the parents and feed the fry on Infusoria or egg yolk initially. When they start to grow, they can be fed on crushed algal flake or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Melanotaenia lacustris is 5-8 years.

Short description

Melanotaenia lacustris are classed as a peaceful species but some adult males may prove to be fin nippers. They should be kept in small groups with a well planted tank. Open swimming spaces should also be allowed for.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Other pictures were provided by Michael. Also thanks to Jonathon Whipple.