Lake Tetra Rainbowfish

About the Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a stunning and peaceful freshwater species native to Lake Tebera and surrounding waterways in Papua New Guinea. Renowned for its shimmering silver-blue body, vibrant yellow fins, and flashes of iridescent turquoise, this elegant rainbowfish is an excellent choice for planted aquariums and large community tanks.

As mature males develop, their colours become increasingly vibrant, displaying metallic blue scales with bright yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. During courtship, males intensify their colours dramatically while displaying to females, making them one of the most captivating rainbowfish to observe.

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish are active schooling fish that should always be kept in groups of at least six, with larger schools producing the best colouration and natural behaviour. They thrive in well-planted aquariums featuring open swimming areas, driftwood, and clean, well-oxygenated water. A varied diet of premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live foods will keep them in peak condition.

Hardy, colourful, and constantly active, the Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is an outstanding addition to peaceful freshwater aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Common Name

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Origin

Lake Tebera, Papua New Guinea

Adult Size

10–12 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

150 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

6.5–8.0

Water Hardness

5–20 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Lifespan

5–8 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lake Tebera Rainbowfish should I keep?

They are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six. Groups of eight or more encourage natural behaviour and enhance male colouration.

Are Lake Tebera Rainbowfish aggressive?

No. They are peaceful fish that mix well with other rainbowfish, tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, and other community species.

What do Lake Tebera Rainbowfish eat?

They readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other protein-rich foods.

Can Lake Tebera Rainbowfish live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Why are my Lake Tebera Rainbowfish losing colour?

Stress, poor water quality, inadequate diet, or keeping too few individuals can reduce colour intensity. Excellent water quality and a balanced diet will help them display their best colours.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish are schooling fish and should never be kept individually or in pairs.

Providing limited swimming space

These active fish require long aquariums with plenty of open water for schooling.

Poor water quality

Stable water parameters, excellent filtration, and regular water changes are essential for vibrant colours and long-term health.

Feeding a poor-quality diet

A varied diet rich in quality protein helps maximise colour and breeding condition.

Housing with aggressive fish

Keep them with peaceful tank mates to minimise stress and encourage natural behaviour.