Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Turquoise Rainbow is endemic to one of Papua New Guinea’s largest lakes, Lake Kutubu. A staple rainbowfish in the hobby, mature male Turquoise rainbows have split coloration of bright turquoise blue dorsally and white ventrally. In certain conditions, perhaps namely during spawning, males will also develop a gold stripe that extends from its nose to the front of its dorsal fin. In this species, females also have some light turquoise coloration but it is certainly less intense than that of males. The majority of specimens available for sale, however, are juvenile fishes and young males might just be starting to show signs of coloration. With patience and the proper environment, your male [and female] Turquoise rainbows will shine in no time! A popular fish for the planted aquarium, rainbowfish are relatively peaceful but can intimidate slower or timid species with their activity level. Turquoise rainbows would do best in a mixed sex group of 6 or more individuals; mixing of different rainbow species can also be done successfully. Males will show their best coloration in the presence of both females and other conspecific males. An adult Turquoise rainbow can reach a size of approximately 4.5″. Note: Aquatics Unlimited recognizes the impact of the aquarium trade on certain wild fish populations. Therefore, all of our Turquoise rainbows are sourced from aquaculture.
Diet Requirements: Turquoise rainbows are omnivores and relatively unfussy when it comes to food. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods or floating pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 to 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Turquoise rainbows. Given the activity level of this fish, the length of the aquarium is particularly important to consider. A tight fitting lid is highly suggested because some individuals are known to jump. Turquoise rainbows are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and therefore should not be added into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for Turquoise rainbows (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as they require clean water and will especially show dull coloration in deteriorating water parameters. Given their natural habitat, Turquoise rainbows like generous water movement and a well oxygenated environment that may only be achieved by a larger filtration system. An ideal aquascape for rainbowfish is dense, tall live plants on one side of the aquarium with open swimming space on the other side. Other decor is of insignificance to rainbowfish considering they mainly exploit the middle or top regions of the aquarium. Turquoise rainbows rarely conflict with tank mates, though males could flare up at each other to maintain their status in the pecking order. Barbs, danios, and larger tetras make excellent tank mates for Turquoise rainbows. This rainbowfish will not do well in soft or acidic water conditions. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 10-20, pH 7.0-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
