Threadfin Rainbowfish

Iriatherina werneri

Threadfin Rainbowfish is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm)
Aquarium size
14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Top swimmer
Temperature
70–86°F (21–30°C)
pH
5–8
GH
3–10 dGH
KH
7–10 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–30 °C, pH 5–8, GH 3–10 dGH, KH 7–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Threadfin Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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: Papua New Guinea 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) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C)

FAQ

How large does Threadfin Rainbowfish get?

Threadfin Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm).

What aquarium size does Threadfin Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Threadfin Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Threadfin 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 Threadfin Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 21 to 30 °C.

Should Threadfin Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Threadfin Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of 10+.

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