Family: Melanotaeniidae
Distribution: Glossolepis leggetti distribution is limited. It has only been found in the deep, clear still pools of the Tiawiwa River, a tributary of the Wapoga River System, in northern West Papua.
PH: Unknown
Temperature: Unknown
Hardness: Unknown
Description: Glossolepis leggetti males are typically stunning in colouration; iridescent green backs, orange to white colouration on breast and lower sides, metallic blue midlateral band and borders with translucent to blue fins. Females exhibit similar colouration but are less flamboyant. They may reach up to 10cm in length.
Diet: While this species is not currently available in the aquarium hobby, a combination of high quality vegetable based food with meaty treats might serve to mimic the natural diet of Leggett’s Rainbowfish.
Breeding:
As this species is not currently in the aquarium hobby, information about breeding in aquariums is limited. It is assumed that the reproductive habits of the Leggett’s Rainbowfish would be similar to other rainbows.
Comments:
This Rainbowfish is not currently recorded as being in the aquarium hobby. Theoretically, mimicking the natural habitat of Leggett’s Rainbowfish will help to create a healthy, suitable aquarium for your specimens. Use the knowledge gleaned from keeping other rainbows from similar regions – abundant plant life, open swimming areas, hiding spots and nitrate sensitivity – to help improve chances of success.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species:
Rainbowfish are a great community species in terms of their temperament and apart from other Rainbowfish species they also live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand 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.
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