Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia lacustris

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate

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Need help with Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

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

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: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH: 7–7.5
GH: 10–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: 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 22–25 °C, pH 7–7.5, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Lake Kutubu 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, Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer a varied diet of suitable flakes or small pellets and small frozen foods.

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 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea.

Natural habitat: Lake Kutubu and its outflow, the Soro River, in the highlands of 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 genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same genus Same family Same temperament Beginner ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same genus Same family Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C)

FAQ

How large does Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish get?

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm).

What aquarium size does Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish need?

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

Is Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Lake Kutubu 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 Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 22 to 25 °C.

Should Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish: Keep in a loose group of 6+.