Lake tebera rainbowfish - Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Scientific name: Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Common name: Lake tebera rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 24 °C (69.8 - 75.2°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 tebera rainbowfish are omnivores so a varied diet should be offered. As well as feeding them algae based flake, give them brine shrimp and blood worms as well.

Origin

As the name suggests, specimens have only been found in Lake Teberara which is situated in the highlands of Papua, New Quinea.

Sexing

The males tend to be more brightly colored than the females and have a much deeper belly.

Breeding

Java moss or spawning mops must be added to the breeding tank for these fish to spawn. When the male is in spawning mode he will display a white or blue stripe on his head. After the eggs have been laid, they must be moved to another tank for hatching as the parents may eat them. Several eggs may be laid over a period of days, so the tank must be watched daily. The eggs should hatch after 7-10 days and the fry should initially be fed on Infusoria as they will be very small.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan is 3-5 years.

Short description

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi are best kept in groups of at least 3 fish, they are tolerant of water conditions but to get the best coloration water parameters need to be of a high quality.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.