Ornate Rainbowfish

Rhadinocentrus ornatus

Ornate Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–81°F (20–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 10–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ornate Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 10+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Australia.

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 ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°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) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 79–86°F (26–30°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Ornate Rainbowfish get?

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

What aquarium size does Ornate Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Ornate Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Ornate 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 Ornate Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.

Should Ornate Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Ornate Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of 10+.