Barred Rainbowfish

Chilatherina fasciata

Barred Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 82–90°F (28–32°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 28–32 °C, pH 7–8, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Barred Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Barred Rainbowfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 5+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 79–86°F (26–30°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Black Chin Tetra Piabucus melanostoma Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Barred Rainbowfish get?

Barred Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm).

What aquarium size does Barred Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Barred Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Barred Rainbowfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Barred Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 28 to 32 °C.

Should Barred Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Barred Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of 5+.