Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner

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

Need help with Lake Tebera Rainbowfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 10–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 7–8, GH 10–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Lake Tebera 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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 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: Clear, vegetated waters in the Lake Tebera basin, including the lake margins and nearby streams.

Similar fish profiles

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

Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) 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 Similar care level Beginner ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 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)

FAQ

How large does Lake Tebera Rainbowfish get?

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Lake Tebera Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Lake Tebera 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 Tebera Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

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

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