Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia lacustris
Family : Melanotaeniidae
Endangered species endemic to Lake Kutubu, highly prized for its metallic colors. Its conservation is concerning due to introduced species.
Description
Melanotaenia lacustris has an elongated, silvery body with metallic blue-green reflections on the flanks. Adult males develop a reddish tint on the dorsal and anal fins. It can reach 12 cm. It is a gregarious and peaceful fish, but requires a large water volume to thrive. Its natural habitat is threatened by the introduction of exotic fish like the Nile perch. In aquariums, it is sensitive to water quality.
Habitat
Region :
Lake Kutubu and its tributaries, Papua New Guinea
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Aquarium of at least 250 liters with strong filtration and moderate flow. Temperature 24-28°C, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 8-15. Hard, alkaline water is preferred. Varied diet: flakes, pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Peaceful species, compatible with similarly sized fish. Avoid aggressive species. A planted tank with open areas is ideal. Breeding is difficult in captivity; eggs are laid on fine plants. Due to its endangered status, prefer captive-bred specimens.
Similar species
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