Eastern rainbowfish Care Guide

General Care Information

The Eastern Rainbowfish is a social and active species, thriving best in community settings. They exhibit moderate hardiness, making them a suitable option for aquarists with some experience. With a popularity score of 4 out of 5, these vibrant fish are a favored choice among fish enthusiasts. Their conservation status is listed as "Least Concern".

Tank Setup

To ensure the Eastern Rainbowfish thrives, maintain a tank with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C. As surface and mid-tank dwellers, they enjoy ample swimming space, so an aquarium should provide at least 20 liters per fish. A school size of at least six individuals is recommended to echo their natural school behavior. The fish grows between 6 cm to 12 cm in length, so ensure the tank is adequately sized.

Feeding

Eastern Rainbowfish are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet to maintain their health and vibrant colors. Feed them a mixture of flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, frozen shrimp, and vegetable matter. Including algae wafers and color-enhancing foods can enhance their coloration. Additional natural foods like daphnia, micro worms, and feeder fish can be added to their diet for variety. They also enjoy freeze-dried foods and stick-on tablets.

Behavior and Compatibility

These fish are mostly peaceful and slightly more aggressive during breeding. They exhibit moderately territorial behavior, so provide plenty of hiding spaces and a varied tank landscape to mitigate territorial disputes. A community tank with similar mild-mannered species is recommended to avoid conflicts.

Maintenance and Breeding

Being low maintenance, they require regular water changes and filtration to maintain water quality and stability. Breeding Eastern Rainbowfish in captivity can lead to slightly more aggressive behavior than usual, so it’s beneficial to have a separate breeding tank to ensure the safety of all tank inhabitants.

Additional Considerations

With a moderate affordability rating, Eastern Rainbowfish are an economical choice for aquarists looking to add color and activity to their aquarium. They thrive in a well-maintained environment with a stable ecosystem and social interaction. Ensure proper filtration and regular tank maintenance to keep these fish healthy and vibrant.