Lake Kutubu Rainbow

Common name(s) Lake Kutubu Rainbow, Turquoise Rainbow, Blue Rainbow Picture of young adult Lake Kutubu Rainbow
Young adult Lake Kutubu Rainbow
Picture of mature Lake Kutubu Rainbow
Mature adult
Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Melanotaenia lacustris

Synonyms

Size 4" (10cm), females slightly smaller

Origin Lake Kutubu, Papua New Guinea

Tank setup Peaceful planted tank with reasonable water movement and open swimming space.

Compatibility Community tank

Temperature 21-26^oC (70-79^oF)

Water chemistry Medium hard, slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.8-8.0)

Feeding Omnivore: will take flake and other dry foods, which should be supplemented with live or frozen foods.

Sexing Males are more colourful, and deeper bodied in mature fish.

Breeding Spawn over fine plants. Java moss or spawning mops can be provided. Fry require very fine food.

Comments These fish make a wonderful addition to the larger community tank. Juveniles often appear relatively dull, but healthy adults are stunning and can change their colour rapidly between various shades of blue and gold.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Lake Kutubu Rainbow, Turquoise Rainbow, Blue Rainbow	Young adult Lake Kutubu Rainbow Mature adult `Photos © Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Melanotaenia lacustris
Synonyms
Size	4" (10cm), females slightly smaller
Origin	Lake Kutubu, Papua New Guinea
Tank setup	Peaceful planted tank with reasonable water movement and open swimming space.
Compatibility	Community tank
Temperature	21-26^oC (70-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Medium hard, slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.8-8.0)
Feeding	Omnivore: will take flake and other dry foods, which should be supplemented with live or frozen foods.
Sexing	Males are more colourful, and deeper bodied in mature fish.
Breeding	Spawn over fine plants. Java moss or spawning mops can be provided. Fry require very fine food.
Comments	These fish make a wonderful addition to the larger community tank. Juveniles often appear relatively dull, but healthy adults are stunning and can change their colour rapidly between various shades of blue and gold.