Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Melanotaeniidae

📍 Lake Tebera, Papua New Guinea

Lake Tebera rainbowfish is a medium-sized species with males displaying a yellow-gold body with a reddish-orange upper flank and vivid red fins. It is a hardy, colourful rainbowfish that is easy to breed and well suited to community tanks with other peaceful species. Its bright colouration intensifies significantly during spawning courtship.

Size4"

Min Tank30g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Lake Tebera rainbowfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of quality flake foods, small pellets, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with vegetable matter like blanched spinach or algae-based foods to support coloration and overall health.

Behavior

These are active, peaceful schooling fish that spend most of their time in the mid-water column, constantly moving and foraging. They display their most vibrant coloration during spawning season when males intensify their yellow-gold and red hues. They are social and should never be kept alone; they thrive in groups of 6 or more where they exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduced stress.

Breeding

Lake Tebera rainbowfish are relatively easy to breed in captivity compared to many rainbowfish species. Breeding is triggered by slightly warmer temperatures (26-27°C), excellent water quality, and abundant live foods. Females scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants; remove eggs or parents to a separate rearing tank, as adults may consume fry. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro foods.

Tank Mates

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements make them ideal community companions

excellent

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish with compatible water needs and non-aggressive behavior toward rainbowfish

excellent

Sterbai Corydoras

Bottom-dwelling catfish that occupy different water zones and help maintain tank cleanliness without competing for space

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful gourami species that tolerate similar water parameters; avoid overstocking to prevent territorial disputes

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp may be viewed as food by rainbowfish; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with adequate hiding spaces

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, fish rubbing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and avoid sharp tank decorations

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

White or grayish film on body, mouth rot, rapid gill movement, loss of appetite, sudden death

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform 50% water change immediately, treat with antibacterial medication; isolate affected fish if possible and maintain pristine water conditions

Parasitic Infections

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, visible parasites, clamped fins, weight loss, cloudy eyes

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication as directed; quarantine new fish for 2-3 weeks before adding to main tank; maintain optimal water conditions to boost immune response