Lake Wanam Rainbowfish

Glossolepis wanamensis

Lake Wanam 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 – Intermediate

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

Need help with Lake Wanam Rainbowfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 10–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–30 °C, pH 7–8, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 24 US gal (90 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: Shallow, clear water around vegetation along the margins of Lake Wanam.

Important notes

Captive stock may contain hybrids with Glossolepis multisquamata; verify provenance before breeding or conservation use.
Fast, active fish can stress smaller or slow-moving aquarium companions.

Similar fish profiles

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

Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°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) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°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)

FAQ

How large does Lake Wanam Rainbowfish get?

Lake Wanam Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Lake Wanam Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Lake Wanam Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Lake Wanam 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 Wanam Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 25 to 30 °C.

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

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