Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

About

The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) is a relatively rare species with a tight natural range, found almost exclusively in the Lake Tebera basin of Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands, a region of montane lakes and streams tucked between steep mountain ridges. Adults are considered among the more richly colored members of the genus, though they take time to reach their full potential. Young fish can look fairly plain until they mature. Like most rainbowfish, these are peaceful, active schoolers that do best in groups of six or more. Keeping a good number together encourages males to display and show off their best coloration, which is reason enough to give them the space and company they need. They get along well with other similarly-sized, similarly-tempered fish: other rainbows, danios, barbs, characins, and bottom dwellers like Corydoras all make solid tankmates. They can also coexist with Rift Lake cichlids that share their preference for hard, alkaline conditions. Breeding is achievable for an intermediate keeper, the fish will scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants fairly readily, but raising the fry is notoriously fiddly, as the tiny juveniles demand infusoria-type foods early on and tend to hang close to the water surface. A rewarding species for someone ready to step beyond the beginner basics.