Exquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Exquisite Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Exquisite Rainbowfish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 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
- 75–86°F (24–30°C)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- GH
- 2–15 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 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 24–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–15 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Exquisite 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, Exquisite Rainbowfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Offer a diverse diet including small aquatic invertebrate foods and vegetable matter; documented natural prey only, captive proportions require validation.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Important notes
- Species-specific aquarium minimum length, group thresholds and preferred water values are not independently documented in inspected authority source.
- Wild rapid-current distribution does not prove a numeric captive flow or oxygen threshold.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Exquisite Rainbowfish get?
Exquisite Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm).
What aquarium size does Exquisite Rainbowfish need?
Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Is Exquisite Rainbowfish peaceful?
Yes. Exquisite 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 Exquisite Rainbowfish?
Keep it between 24 to 30 °C.
