Odax acroptilus (Marine Rainbowfish / Rainbow Cale)

Family: Odacidae

Distribution: Primarily living in the sub-tropical waters of the Eastern Indian Ocean, the Marine Rainbowfish, or Rainbow Cale, has been recorded from the central coast of New South Wales, to the north on the central coast of Western Australia, including the northern coast of Tasmania and Bacon Island.   They prefer rocky reefs and areas covered in broad-leafed sea grasses.

PH: 8.0 -8.5

Temperature: 22°C -26°C (72 – 78F)

Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025

Description: With elongated dorsal fins, blue lines on the head and distinctive black patchy side colouration, the adult male Rainbow Cale is often photographed for its beauty in the wild.  Females are equally as eye-catching with yellow/green to red-brown bodies and the typical dark side markings.  Rainbow Cales grow up to 30cm in length.  The Rainbow Cale is an Odacid fish, which means that teeth in both jaws have serrated edges and are fused into a parrot-like beak.

Diet: Unknown.

Breeding: Unknown.

Comments: The Rainbow Cale may not be reef safe so exercise caution.  They prefer to play and hide among sea grasses so mimic this in your tank by planting abundant plant life.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species:

Bear in mind that the Rainbow Cale is very large and will need appropriately sized tankmates with similar temperaments in order to co-exist happily.

Originally posted 2010-03-15 20:18:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post: