Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris)

The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish, also known as Blue Rainbowfish, is a vibrant, striking fish characterized by its iridescent blue and green body, with males displaying more intense colors than females.

These fish are peaceful yet active swimmers that can grow up to 4-5 inches in length. The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish can be quite skittish. A school of at least 6-8 fish is recommended to encourage natural behaviors and create a visually stunning display. These Rainbowfish are compatible with other peaceful, similarly-sized fish making them a great addition to a community aquarium.

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish are omnivorous, feeding on insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild. In captivity, provide them with a balanced diet of high-quality flake food, live, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

To replicate their natural habitat, house them in a densely planted aquarium with a sandy or fine-gravel substrate, along with driftwood and rocks for hiding spots to provide them a sense of security. Their natural habitat features various leggy plants like Dwarf Sagittaria, Vallisneria, and Anubias, which are easy for the fish to navigate through. When arranging the plants, ensure to leave unobstructed open swimming areas. A substrate consisting of rocks and sand with driftwood can help recreate their native environment. The addition of floating plants to diffuse the light entering the tank also seems to be appreciated and adds a more natural feel.

Maintaining a clean and well-oxygenated tank is crucial for Lake Tebera Rainbowfish, as their water should be free from nitrates and ammonia. They prefer moderate water currents and appreciate a substantial water flow, making a power filter an excellent choice for their aquarium.

A minimum tank size of 40 gallons is recommended, with 60 gallons or larger in community aquariums. The ideal water parameters for these fish include a pH of 7.0-8.0, a hardness of 8-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 75-81°F (24-27°C).

Do not add this fish to a biologically immature aquarium, as it can be susceptible to swings in water chemistry.