Barred Rainbowfish

Chilatherina fasciata

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

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

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Need help with Barred Rainbowfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 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 loose group 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.

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.

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 loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea.

Important notes

This Barred Rainbowfish is Chilatherina fasciata, not Melanotaenia trifasciata (another record in same batch).
Unusually warm 28–32 °C target; do not replace with generic rainbowfish 22–26 °C.

Similar fish profiles

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

Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°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) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Barred Rainbowfish get?

Barred Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 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 loose group of 5+.