Rainbowfish are active, hardy, and grow more beautiful with age, developing colour that genuinely rivals marine fish. The Melanotaenia group includes favourites like the boesemani and the dwarf neon, and many are natives of Australia and New Guinea. Rainbows are a species close to our heart, and we condition ours carefully before shipping Australia-wide.
Keeping Rainbowfish
Rainbows are schooling fish that need swimming space, so a longer tank suits them well. They are peaceful, hardy, and adapt to a wide range of water, doing best around 24 to 28 degrees. Kept in a group they display to one another, and the males in particular intensify in colour when there is friendly rivalry to show off for. They are excellent community fish that get along with most peaceful tankmates.
Patience Pays Off
One thing worth knowing is that young rainbows in a shop tank often look plain. Their real colour develops as they mature, sometimes over many months, so the slightly drab juvenile you buy can become a showpiece. Good food, clean water, and a group to display in are what unlock that colour.
Common Questions
Why do my young rainbows look dull? Rainbowfish colour up with age. Give them time, good conditions, and a group, and they will transform.
How many should I keep? A group of six or more brings out their schooling behaviour and the colour displays between males.
