Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Celebes Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Intermediate – Advanced

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

Need help with Celebes Rainbowfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 29.9" (≥ 76 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 10–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 29.9" (≥ 76 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 7–8, GH 10–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 29.9" (≥ 76 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

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

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) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°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) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same family Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C)

FAQ

How large does Celebes Rainbowfish get?

Celebes Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does Celebes Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 29.9" (≥ 76 cm) minimum length.

Is Celebes Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Celebes 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 Celebes Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Celebes Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Celebes Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of at least 6.