Alternative Name
Rainbowfish - Lake Kutubu
Turquoise Rainbow, Blue Rainbowfish
Scientific Name: Melanotaenia lacustris
Basic Info
The Turquoise Rainbow Fish is a beautiful fish. It has a body color ranging from olive, to green, brown or even turquoise on its back and upper half. This color fades to white on the lower part of the body. There is a thin red colored stripe between each horizontal scale row. Turquoise Rainbow Fish will not reach their full color, until they reach maturity. At maturity, the Turquoise Rainbow Fish will be three to four inches in size. The fins on a Turquoise Rainbow Fish will be clear to red colored, and males will have some black spots on their dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. The Turquoise Rainbow Fish has a lifespan of roughly five years.
Health
The Turquoise Rainbow Fish is relatively easy to care for. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but should be kept in water in a range between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH level of their water should be slightly alkaline, with a range between seven and eight. Turquoise Rainbow Fish enjoy eating live fish, bloodworms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. They will also eat frozen, freeze dried and flake foods.
Breeding
The Turquoise Rainbow Fish can be bred in aquariums, but it is difficult. Spawning should occur sometime between October and January. Roughly 100 to 150 eggs will be produced. These eggs will stick to plant life, and will hatch after roughly one week. The color of the males will become brighter, and may change prior to breeding.
Habitat
Fresh water fish
Behavior
The Turquoise Rainbow Fish, also known as the Lake Kutubu Rainbow Fish, is a beautiful fish. It is highly active, very colorful and rather hardy. These traits make the Turquoise Rainbow Fish a desired fish among beginning and experienced aquarists.
The Turquoise Rainbow Fish is a peaceful fish. It will not bother other similarly sized fish. It is, however, very active. The Turquoise Rainbow Fish should not be kept with slower, less active fish, as they may become irritated by the Turquoise Rainbow Fish's constant motion. Turquoise Rainbow Fish should be kept in large tanks with moderate rock and plant decoration. Live plants will be much better for the Turquoise Rainbow Fish.
Origin
New Guinea
History
The Turquoise Rainbow Fish, or Melanotaenia lacustris, is originally from New Guinea, and are found in Lake Kutubu.
Common Foods
N/A