Turquoise or Lake Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris)

Melanotaenia lacustris, commonly known as the turquoise or lake rainbowfish, is a gorgeous freshwater fish that enlivens any aquarium with its brilliant color and lively movement. These fish, which are indigenous to Papua New Guinea’s Lake Kutubu, are prized for their serene disposition and shimmering, turquoise-blue scales.

Aquarium enthusiasts now favor turquoise rainbowfish because of their eye-catching appearance and laid-back personality. They are an excellent addition to both novice and seasoned aquarists, thriving in well-kept tanks and getting along with other community fish.

Habitat and Environment

Oceania: exclusive to the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea, around Lake Kutubu and the Soro River, which is the outlet of the Kikori River system.

At roughly sixty square kilometers, Lake Kutubu is one of Papua New Guinea’s largest lakes. It originated when a valley was obstructed by volcanic debris during an eruption. Ten of the 14 fish species that have been identified so far are endemic to the area, which is very remote.

The lake features a lot of vegetation and extremely clear water from subterranean springs. The lake’s recorded water temperatures range from 21 to 25°C, with a pH of 8.5 to 9.0.

Usually, patches of aquatic vegetation or submerged logs and roots are where rainbowfish gather.

Unfortunately, industrial development and fishing (primarily for the aquarium trade) have led to the extinction of this species in its natural habitats. As a result, the IUCN Red List has classified M. lacustris as "vulnerable."

Description

The body is compressed laterally, oval in shape, and slightly elongated. The fish’s rounded contour lines and its triangular head with big eyes contrast dramatically. forked tail and paired dorsal fins.

Able to quickly change from purple to blue, green, or turquoise. The color of the body gradually changes to a yellowish or greenish hue with a silver sheen toward the abdomen from the darker, mostly blue upper half. A longitudinal dark blue stripe that covers approximately one-third of the body begins at the base of the tail.

The fins are blue, but they develop a black border during the spawning season. The masculine beauty stands out the most at this point. A golden-edged, longitudinal blue stroke can be seen on their tail, extending to the first dorsal fin. Women are colored in a more subdued manner, similar to young people in turquoise.

Size:

Although it is typically a little shorter in aquariums, the maximum standard length is 12 cm.

Behavior and Compatibility

Despite being a very calm species, its large size and rapid movements can startle smaller or slower fish. Similar-sized rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs, freshwater gobies, and catfish like Corydoras make excellent tankmates. Because the water conditions of rift lakes are similar, they can also be kept with a variety of cichlid species.

Due to their tendency toward shyness, Kutubu Rainbowfish do best in groups of at least 6–8 people, preferably more.

When with other conspecifics, males look much more impressive and display their best features. Naturally, a large collection of these fish will need an aquarium that is large enough.

Aquarium

An active species that needs a minimum 120 * 30 * 30 cm aquarium, or 110 liters.

Like most iridescent species, this one looks better and feels cozier in an aquarium with lots of plants. To provide room for swimming, plants are placed around the edge; a few floating species are OK. Additional décor is not really necessary. The slightly hard and alkaline water parameters that the fish prefer should be reflected in the plant selection.

Bright lighting is ideal; ideally, the fish will be exposed to sunlight for two to three hours. In this kind of setting, the fish will appear exceptionally lovely. There is a lid on the aquarium to keep the fish from jumping out.

Water parameters:

Outside temperature: 20–26 °C pH range: 7.0 to 9.0 Hardness: 9–20 degrees dGH

These fish are at risk from abrupt pH changes. Highly attuned to the quality of their water, they require efficient filtration and aeration. Minimal water movement is recommended. A third changes the water once a week.

Feeding

It consumes tiny crustaceans and insect larvae in the wild.

This has an unassuming, omnivorous appearance and will eat most dry, frozen, and live feeds, just like the majority of his relatives. All food kinds should be included in the diet because fish can only display their full range of color nuances when they have a varied diet.

Sexual dimorphism

Compared to females, mature males are bigger and have brighter coloring. They also grow a longer first dorsal fin and a much higher body.

Reaches sexual maturity in seven to ten months.

Breeding

Reproduction: To start a weak water current, install an aerator and, if desired, an air filter in a 50-liter spawning aquarium. Add a few small-leaved plants, such as synthetic washcloth fibers or Java moss, as the spawning substrate.

Breeders should be fed to capacity during the pre-spawning phase. Replacing one-third of the water and slightly raising the temperature encourage sprouting.

The spawning tank’s water parameters are 23–24 °C and pH 7.5.

Fish are released into an aquarium in pairs or groups, and they can spawn for several weeks, producing fewer eggs each time. Since the producers consume the eggs, the latter must be continuously moved to a different container.

The temperature in the incubation aquarium drops to 21–22 °C; at higher temperatures, the quantity of fry that are not viable increases. The young hatch on days 7–12, and after a few days, they can swim and consume infusoria and live dust. A week later, they become Artemia nauplii.

The young have a light turquoise color and grow slowly. It takes a year for the species’ distinctive colors to emerge.

The average lifespan is ten years.

Turquoise Rainbowfish, with their vivid colors and serene disposition, are a beautiful addition to any aquarium. They are a favorite among aquarists because of their eye-catching appearance and lively swimming style.

To bring out the best colors in these fish, it’s important to keep their habitat healthy. They will remain healthy in a well-planted tank with fresh water and suitable tank mates.

Turquoise Rainbowfish are a rewarding option for both novice and seasoned hobbyists. They can add color and endless enjoyment to your aquarium with the right maintenance.

The turquoise rainbowfish, sometimes called the Lake Kutubu rainbowfish, is a colorful freshwater species that is well-liked for community aquariums due to its eye-catching blue-green coloring and calm disposition. This fish, which is native to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea, does best in tanks that are kept clean, have lots of swimming space, and allow its shimmering colors to really pop.

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