Dive into our guide on freshwater Rainbowfish, featuring 12 colorful species. Gain insights into their care and discover which fish will thrive in your aquarium. After reading this guide, you will better understand which fish best suits you and how to care for them.
If you are a 90s kid, you may have seen the title of this guide and instantly flashed back to the book “The Rainbow Fish”—trust me, we are here for the Nostalgia. Whether you read the book or not, this guide will be an even better substitute to learn about these majestic fish. Still advise you to read this timeless book.
Freshwater Rainbowfish are what you expect to live up to their name and be submerged (no pun intended) in vibrancy and flamboyant personality for your aquarium. These colorful fish for aquariums are popular among aquarists mainly for their adaptability, eye-catching unique patterns and color combo, and fitting nature for community tanks.
Naturally, they are schooling fish, so keeping a group of at six is ideal. This guide will cover 12 of our stunning picks for Rainbowfish that bring a new meaning to “life in color”. Get your drinking game ready because the word “color” will be mentioned a fair few times in this guide.
Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)
This strikingly recognizable fish can be argued to be a favorite among the aquarist community—rightfully so! The selected silvered scales are a statement piece to the other fish in the tank or the sea to know who owns the aesthetic category.
Its popular blue and yellow freshwater fish coloration makes them undeniably stunning. Just like how human males have longer lashes and thicker eyebrows, the males of this fish display the brightest coloration compared to the females.
The ideal tank conditions include a spacious environment (minimum 40 gallons) that allows them to justifiably swim and flaunt their beauty at scale to their school of peers. Following the Boesemani rainbow fish care will ensure the cap their existence.
- Adult Size: Males grow up to 4 inches; Females grow up to 3 inches
- Color Pattern: Orange/Yellow and Blue/Violet
- Unique Traits: More male ratio, these fish colors intensify more
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons
- Temperature: 81-86 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- KH: 10-20 dKH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecoxis)
If you find Neon lights tacky, these fish may change your mind. These almond-shaped iridescent freshwater fish are perfect for peaceful community tanks.
The Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish profile adds a splash of fascinating elements to any aquarium making anyone in passing have to look twice to appreciate their alien beauty. Their compact size and non-aggressive temperament make them the ideal choice for aquarists seeking shimmery freshwater fish.
The ideal tank conditions for the small colorful aquarium fish include a spacious environment (minimum 20 gallons) where they are surrounded by schools of similar-sized calm fish. Ensuring the tank includes rocks, plants, and driftwood is essential to replicate their natural habitat.
- Adult Size: Up to 3.2 inches
- Color Pattern: Male fish have shiny blue bodies with bright red fins. Females have a silvery body with yellow or orange-yellow fins.
- Unique Traits: Their iridescent color flashes when exposed to light
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons
- Temperature: 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 7.2-7.8
- KH: 2-6 dKH; GH: 6-12
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus)
Does size matter for you? Look no further. The Red Rainbowfish may appease your needs in that department. These large aquarium fish are known for their bright red bodies, especially in mature males. It is evident these bright red freshwater fish require spacious tanks to accommodate their size and friends since being in groups is better for their well-being.
The ideal tank condition for the Red Rainbowfish care is a tank at least four feet long to give them enough space to move around in the tank. Keeping the tank well-planted is beneficial for them as fish to
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches
- Color Pattern: Male fish have a bright red color. Females are gold-bronze or olive-brown color.
- Unique Traits: They are peaceful fish that require 2 males to 1 female ratio to bring out their colors.
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Temperature: 70-79 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- KH: 10-20 dKH; GH: 8-12
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Australian Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)
These silver foxes or should I say “silver fish” are hardy aquarium fish that can adapt to various tank conditions. Their silver base with a spectrum of colorful hues and accents makes them a visually appealing choice.
Aquarists who are looking for extra aesthetics or color in their tank, opt for these adaptable rainbowfish. They are ranked highly on the resilience scale in terms of fish care making them the obvious choice for beginner aquarists looking to host these freshwater creatures.
The Australian Rainbowfish care is quite straightforward since these fish can withstand a wide variety of water parameters. As long as the tank is 20-50 gallons and a well-planted and substrated tank, they will thrive.
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
- Color Pattern: Iridescent blue-green
- Unique Traits: Adaptable to various water conditions
- Tank Size: Minimum 20-50 gallons
- Temperature: 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 6.8-7.2
- KH: 10-20 dKH; GH: 5-15
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris)
The OG “The Rainbow Fish Book” model! The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish boasts its unique spectrum of blue shades based on turquoise hues. Their striking iridescent appearance will have any living being with eyes do a double take. This unique colored freshwater fish is a must have if you want fish watch.
The Australian Rainbowfish care is quite straightforward since these fish can withstand a wide variety of water parameters. As long as the tank is 20-50 gallons and a well-planted and substrated tank, they will thrive.
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
- Color Pattern: Iridescent blue-green
- Unique Traits: Their rapid movements can unintentionally unsettle slow-moving or smaller fish in their vicinity
- Tank Size: Minimum 20-50 gallons
- Temperature: 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 6.8-7.2
- GH: 5-15
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Madagascar Rainbowfish (Bedotia madagascarensis)
The Madagscar Rainbowfish are considered to be endangered and on the Red List of Threatened Species because of habitat modification and rapid deforestation. These slim-bodies freshwater fish fluants their silver bodies and colored fin accents would be hard to miss even when they turn to the side. Despite their slim size, they are quite hardy, giving them the advantage to withstand a various conditions in the tank.
These brown and blue aquarium fish require not only the right sized tank ( 30 gallons minimum), but also heavily planted with boisterous leafy greens and sandy/gravel substrates.
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches
- Color Pattern: Overall body color is a pale yellow-ish brown with hues of blue-green sheen. Females display will be plainer and less intensely defined. The fin color and vibrancy varies on the gender and fish
- Unique Traits: The male fish have brighter colors than females
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Temperature: 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- KH: 9-15; GH: 8-25
- Lifespan: 5-11 years
Forktail Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus)
If you are someone prides in having exclusives and uncommon treasures, the Forktail Rainbowfish may be another entity to have in your home’s tank! These naturally active small fish is characterised by its distinctive yellow fins, fork pattern on the tail, and overall cohesive vibrant appearances.
They thrive in planted tanks where they can promote their active behavior. Ensure that you have a 2 female to 1 male ratio (2:1) with these fish as the males tend to display brighter coloration in the presence of females.
These blue-eyed yellow-tailed aquarium fish need to be in a spacious tank with adequate mounts of plants to be comfortable.
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches
- Color Pattern: Translucent silver body with yellow fins and tail
- Unique Traits: Their yellow pectoral fins makes them look like they are waving poms-poms
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons
- Temperature: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- KH: 2-5; GH: 6-15
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
Axelrod’s Rainbowfish (Chilatherina axelrodi)
The Axelrod Rainbowfish are understudied with information currently. These silver reflective fish have scales the shimmer the most when they are under light. They adapt well to various tank conditions according to enthusiasts who have discovered and collected them in flowing rainforest stream. They are suitable for anyone who is a beginner or expert.
Ensure the female ratio is higher than the male to increase the intensity of vibrant colors in the tank.
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
- Color Pattern: Bluish-grey to greenish-brown color with notes of silver-grey uniquely dispersed around their body
- Unique Traits: They are fast swimmers
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons
- Temperature: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 7.0-7.8
- Water hardness: Soft as it is similar to rainforest water streams
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
Threadfin Rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri)
These distinguishable fashion wannabes are a great addition to any tank if you are looking to add an anomaly that will have people intrigued for more information! The delicate aquarium fish have exquisite thread-like fins that are elongated giving the appearance of faux feathers. These long-finned freshwater fish require calm tank environments as they are fragile in nature.
These colorful aquarium fish are also community friendly, so they can be housed with non-aggressive shrimp species
- Adult Size: Up to 2.5 inches
- Color Pattern: Green, red, and blue coloration on the body
- Unique Traits: Their fins look like lush feather extensions
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons
- Temperature: 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 5.0-8.0
- KH: 6-10; GH: 10-16
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Millennium Rainbowfish (Glossolepis pseudoincisus)
The Millennium Rainbowfish are recognized as bold red-orange freshwater fish as their hues give them visual appeal —in contrast to green plants and dark substrates in the tank. A spacious tank is a necessity for them to reach their full swimming potential as they would in the wild. Their intense coloration make them a bold aquarium fish addition.
Since these fish are rare commercially, recommended ideal habitat conditions are still controversial making them intermediate friendly.
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
- Color Pattern: They have silver reflective scales. Males are deep red-orange with a gold underside; Females are yellow-gold iridescent with red lines on the lower half of their body
- Unique Traits: The males are able to “turn on” a bright neon orange stripe as a breeding signal to females.
- Tank Size: Minimum 35 gallons
- Temperature: 70-79 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- KH: 10-15
- Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Celebes Rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi)
These elegant-looking iridescent fish are needed to complete your overall tank aesthetic. Their overall body size may be slender, but their neon blue accents shine bigger and brighter.
Low-flow environments are ideal for them as they are graceful aquarium fish swimmers and delicate to water quality. Since they are highly sensitive, experienced aquarists are quintessential owners for these neon blue freshwater fish.
- Adult Size: Up to 3-3.2 inches
- Color Pattern: Iridescent yellow and blue coloration
- Unique Traits: As males mature their second dorsal and anal fins become elongated and fan-like
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Temperature: 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 7.0-7.5
- KH: 10-25 dKH
- Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Ivantsoff Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil ivantsoffi)
This fish may not be 6’5 with a trustfund, but it definitely has blue eyes! Their electric big blue eyes on their small framed body makes them an eccentric beauty. They are considered nano since their maximum adult size does not reach two inches. However, their hardy nature makes them ideal pets for novices and experienced aquarists.
- Adult Size: Up to 1.3 inches
- Color Pattern: They display shimmery silver body and vibrant red and yellow coloration on their fins
- Unique Traits: Bright blue eyes and the males have elongated fins that resemble a fan
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons
- Temperature: 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- KH: 1-5; GH: 5-15
- Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Conclusion
Selecting rainbowfish like any other water creature involves considering a plethora of information such as tank size, experience level, and desired appeal. This aquarium guide for rainbow fish emphasizes colorful freshwater fish types that can make any dull tank into a vibrant underwater dream.
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