The Melanotaenia boesemani, known as the rainbow fish, is a small, brightly colored fish native to lakes in Indonesia and New Guinea, but which is currently distributed throughout the world in captivity. The vivid colors of this species, which mix blue, violet, yellow, red and white, have made it one of the favorites for home aquariums, where they stand out for its beauty and its rapid movements when swimming.
If you are thinking of adopting one or several of these specimens, you need to know everything related to the comforts that you must offer them, so our site presents you with this article on rainbow fish care.
Rainbow Fish Feeding
The rainbow is omnivorous and quite a glutton, so finding food for him won't be a problem. It is recommended to vary dry food with live prey of small size. In this way you will be able to offer it from scales and granulated food, to larvae and live brine shrimp. Of course, if you can't find live food you can substitute it for one that is frozen.
These fish do not feed on anything that has fallen to the bottom of the lakes and therefore not on the aquarium in which they were raised, so the quantities must be modulated according to the number of specimens to that can catch food on the surface or while it sinks. Don't worry about this as they are quite fast and voracious, so they will feed well if you offer them the right food.
The ideal aquarium
Despite its small size, the rainbow is a great swimmer, loving to cover great distances with its powerful fins. Therefore, with a number less than or equal to 5 of these fish, an aquarium of at least 200 liters will be necessary, if possible even a little more large, and at least one meter tall, with plenty of room to swim in it.
A dark substrate and a variety of aquatic plants are recommended inside, but located in such a way that they do not represent an obstacle to mobility of the rainbow This fish is extremely sensitive, so if it feels depressed, trapped or uncomfortable in the tank it will not display its beautiful colors.
It is also highly recommended luminosity, good oxygenation and the installation of a filter that is capable of generating subtle currents that simulate the natural environment of this species.
Aquarium water
Water features are also essential to ensure the quality of life of the rainbow, whose life expectancy is estimated at a maximum of 5 years, and help it reveal all its colors.
That is why we recommend a temperate temperature, not lower than 23 degrees Celsius nor higher than 27 degrees, with a low to moderate pH hardness. hygiene is important, so the water should be changed frequently, especially if food remains are observed at the bottom of the aquarium.
Relationship with other fish
The rainbow fish can coexist with other species, but they must be chosen very well so that they do not affect the conditions of the aquarium, as well as to ensure the tranquility of all the fish.
With regard to other rainbows, it is recommended to acquire a school of between 5 and 7 fish, which can keep each other company and swim together. For companions of other species, it is necessary to take into account the speedy and slightly nervous character of the rainbow, both due to its love of swimming and its voracity when it comes to eating. In this sense, breeds that are too calm or slow are not recommended as companions, as they would be disturbed by the behavior of this swimmer.
The cichlids and barbels will be better options to share the aquarium, always observing that there is no hostile behavior between them. The rainbow, despite being a bit hyperactive, is quite peaceful, so it adapts easily to other fish.
