Barred rainbowfish
Chilatherina fasciata
Family: Melanotaeniidae
Distribution: The Barred Rainbowfish lives in northern New Guinea, including the river systems of Markham, Ramu, Sepik and Mamberamo in both the lowlands and highlands. The preferred habitat of the Barred Rainbowfish is a clear rainforest stream consisting of gravel or sand and littered with leaves and rainforest debris. They have also been found in Lake Wanam in Papua New Guinea. With an appreciation for sunlight and warm waters, Chilatherian fasciata is one of the most abundant fishes in Northern New Guinea.
PH: 7.1 to 8.1
Temperature: 28° -32°C (82 – 90F)
Hardness: 0-12DH
Description: The Barred Rainbowfish can be roughly 14 cm (5.5 inches) long. With the overall specific coloration depending on its geographical origins, it usually ranges from brownish to bluish green on the back with yellow/white sides. Most adult males have black bars on their lower sides and will enhance and intensify their colours to a deep bronze/red-orange during breeding. The females range from silver to olive with clear fins. Both share a uniquely deep, laterally compressed body. Overall, Chilatherian fasciata are a beauty to behold in the world of rainbowfish.
Diet: Mimic the natural diet of the Chilatherian fasciata by serving up a veritable delight of fish algae, live insect larvae (and other live foods), and processed foods. Allow for natural algae growth as it is on the top of the menu for tastiness in this rainbowfish’s mind.
Breeding: Male aggression is the biggest issue when breeding this species. It can be quite dangerous for the females if you don’t provide two or three females for each male. Set up a separate breeding tank filled with dense vegetation like java moss.
Keep the water temperature in the upper eshalons of the recommended range to decrease incubation time.
It is advisable to move the spawning medium into a different container to avoid predation. Feed fry with newly hatched brine shrimp or powdered flake food.
Comments: The Barred Rainbowfish is a common choice for all aquarists as they are relatively easy to care for. Opt for a well-planted tank with the intention of mimicking its natural habitat. A plentitude of hiding spots, open swimming areas and submerged diftwood will make for a satisfied rainbowfish. Just like their rainbowfish relatives, their serene, shoaling fish nature makes them a great addition to any community tank.
Tip: These fish are sun worshippers…give them a couple of sunlight exposure each day and watch them shine!
Article/Books:
Setting up a Tropical Aquarium Week by Week
Culturing Live Foods: A Step-By-Step Guide to Producing Food for Your Home Aquarium
Today’s Essential Guide to Growing Aquarium Plants: The Aquamaster Series
Recommended Compatible Species: Rainbowfish are a great community species in terms of their temperament and therefore live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates. One thing you should take into consideration when housing rainbows with these recommended species is the water quality. Temperature and Hardness are similar but P.H. can be quite different, although it is not ideal, if you keep your water at a P.H. of 7 this should keep your community happy.
Rainbowfish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups consisting of at least six individuals, preferably no less than 10-15. Mix it up with enough females to give them a rest when the males are on the chase, but provide enough males to bring out their vibrant colours when they are in competition for female attention. Whilst this is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the fish, a large school is rewarding for the aquarist because a school of iridescent Rainbowfish is more dramatic to the eye than a few shy fish peeking out from behind dense vegetation.
If you want to buy Rainbow fish the best place to get them is HERE
Originally posted 2009-11-03 13:44:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
