Our Guide To Keeping Lake Kutubu Blue Rainbowfish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Melanotaenia lacustris
   • Common name: Lake Kutubu Blue Rainbowfish
   • Family: Melanotaeniidae
   • Origin: Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea
   • Adult length: 5 to 6 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Lake Kutubu Blue Rainbowfish prefer a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended for a small school of these fish.
   • Provide ample hiding places and areas with dense vegetation to mimic their natural habitat. They appreciate plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and floating plants like Amazon Frogbit.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A moderate water flow is suitable for these fish, so choose a filter that provides gentle to moderate flow.

5. Diet:

   • Lake Kutubu Blue Rainbowfish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Offer them a balanced diet consisting of high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple.
   • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to provide essential nutrients and mimic their natural diet.

6. Tank mates:

   • Lake Kutubu Blue Rainbowfish are peaceful schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals to prevent stress and encourage their natural behaviors.
   • They are compatible with other peaceful community fish such as other rainbowfish, peaceful tetras, rasboras, and small catfish species.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Lake Kutubu Blue Rainbowfish are active swimmers and display schooling behavior, so they feel more secure and exhibit their best colors when kept in a group.
   • Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish species that may intimidate or harass them.