Lake Kutubu Rainbow (Turquoise Rainbow)

The Lake Kutubu rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris), sold as the turquoise rainbow, is found naturally only in Lake Kutubu and its outflow in Papua New Guinea. Adult males develop a broad turquoise-blue band along the upper body over a paler silver-blue below, with the colour deepening and lightening as the fish displays. The back arches with age, giving mature fish a heavy-shouldered profile. It is among the more even-tempered of the larger rainbowfish.

Aquarium care

• Reaches around 11 cm and wants a long tank.
• Peaceful and social.
• Keep six or more with both sexes present.
• Prefers hard, alkaline water.
• Needs open swimming room with planting at the margins.
• Omnivorous: quality flake, pellets and frozen foods.

A good match for Boesemani and red rainbowfish, larger tetras, barbs and peaceful catfish in a big community. As with all the larger rainbows, very small fish are better kept elsewhere.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current rainbows.