Chilatherina bulolo (Bulolo Rainbowfish)

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Distribution: Bulolo Rainbowfish are found in the fast flowing, rapid water of the mountain streams in the Markham and Ramu river systems of north-eastern Papua New Guinea. It was first collected in 1934 and then not again until 1978. There is insufficient data to suggest the current levels of population of this species.

PH: 8.0 – 9.0

Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (72 – 79F)

Hardness: Unknown

Description: Compared to the other rainbowfish varieties, the Bulolo Rainbowfish is rather unexciting in appearance. It can reach a length of 8.5 cm (3.3 inches) and has a silvery body with a black streak on its caudal fin.

Diet: While this information is purely theoretical because there is no record of this species having been successfully kept in the aquarium hobby, live, frozen or dried food is suitable. Make sure you offer a varied, high quality diet to help your fish to thrive.

Breeding: The Bulolo Rainbowfish has not yet been recorded as having been bred in captivity.

Comments: The Bulolo Rainbowfish have a reputation of dying straight after being introduced to an aquarium. This could be due to the fact that it is hard to mimic the natural environment, being the white water rapids of mountain streams. Heavy oxygenation, a plenitude of rocks and a rough gravel or cobble floor is necessary in the aquarium.

Tip: Do not treat this fish as your stock-standard muddy backwater fish. The Bulolo rainbowfish requires patience and very special attention if you are going to attempt to keep it as a pet.

As Chilatherina bulolo is highly uncommon in the aquarium hobby, we have to theorise how they would interact with other fish. Given what we know already about this fish and its apparent inability to thrive in an aquarium, it is suggested that a species aquarium would be best suited.