Moderate
Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parva)
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
£18.99
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) for spacious planted aquariums; peaceful active shoal care with size and arrival guidance.
Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
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Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) for spacious planted aquariums; peaceful active shoal care with size and arrival guidance.
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
24–28°C · pH 7–8.2 · 250L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 80L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 60L
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi), also known as the Yellow Rainbowfish, is an active Papua New Guinea rainbowfish for spacious planted aquariums. Mature fish develop a warm yellow body, dark lateral line and bright fin colour, especially when kept in a settled group with clean water and open swimming room.
This is a shoaling fish, not a single centrepiece. It looks best in a group, where males display to each other and the whole shoal moves through the upper and middle water.
| Common names | Lake Tebera Rainbowfish, Yellow Rainbowfish |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi |
| Adult size | Usually around 8-10 cm |
| Care level | Moderate; peaceful but active and space-hungry |
| Temperament | Peaceful shoaling rainbowfish |
| Best aquarium | Long planted aquarium with open swimming space |
| Diet | Quality flakes, granules, small pellets and frozen foods |
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish are chosen for movement as much as colour. They are constantly active, but not normally aggressive, and a group can make a planted aquarium feel alive without the territorial pressure of cichlids. Males colour more strongly as they mature, so young fish may look modest at first and improve with age, diet and confidence.
They are especially rewarding in a long aquarium where they can swim properly. A short, cramped tank makes rainbowfish nervous and does not show their natural behaviour. If you want a peaceful display fish for the top and middle levels of a larger community setup, this species is a strong choice.
| Temperature | 20-26°C is the core published range |
|---|---|
| pH | Neutral to slightly alkaline suits most captive stock; avoid sudden swings |
| Hardness | Moderate hardness is suitable; stable, clean water matters most |
| Flow | Gentle to moderate flow with good oxygenation |
| Water quality | Zero ammonia/nitrite, regular water changes and low nitrate |
FishBase places this species in freshwater from the Lake Tebera basin in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Aquarium references consistently favour clear, stable water and planted cover rather than harsh current. Avoid treating it as a tiny beginner fish just because it is peaceful.
| Minimum aquarium | A long 120 cm aquarium is a sensible target for an adult group |
|---|---|
| Group size | Keep a shoal; six or more is much better than one or two |
| Planting | Plant the sides and back, leaving open swimming space |
| Lighting | Moderate lighting shows colour well; floating cover can calm nervous fish |
| Cover | Use a lid, as active rainbowfish can jump when startled |
A good layout gives both movement and security. Planting around the edges gives the fish confidence, while the middle and front of the tank should stay open. Darker substrate and healthy plants often make the yellow body colour look stronger.
| Good choices | Other peaceful rainbowfish, robust rasboras, peaceful barbs, suitable tetras, Corydoras and medium livebearers |
|---|---|
| Use care with | Very slow feeders, timid nano fish and species that need very soft acidic water |
| Avoid | Fin nippers, predatory fish, cramped cichlid tanks and tiny fry-sized tank mates |
| Best role | Upper/mid-water movement fish for a peaceful planted community |
They are peaceful, but they are quick and confident at feeding time. Pair them with fish that are not easily intimidated and that enjoy similar stable water. Do not mix them into a small nano community just because they are not aggressive.
| Staple | Quality flake, granules or small floating/sinking pellets |
|---|---|
| Colour support | Frozen daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp and occasional bloodworm |
| Vegetable element | Spirulina flakes or mixed community foods help round out the diet |
| Routine | Small portions once or twice daily; vary the food across the week |
Rainbowfish often colour best when fed a varied diet and kept in clean, oxygen-rich water. Avoid overfeeding rich frozen foods, especially in out-of-stock planning tanks where filtration and stocking may still be changing.
| 3-4 cm | Juvenile size; colour improves as the fish mature |
|---|---|
| 4-5 cm | Larger young fish when available |
| 5.5-7 cm | More developed size when available; allow more swimming space |
| First order | Use WELCOME10 when eligible for 10% off your first order |
| Arrival cover | Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery and acclimation steps are followed |
When restocked, check the selected size and plan the shoal around adult needs rather than the current juvenile size. Acclimate slowly, keep lights low at first and release the fish into a mature aquarium with stable water.
Choose Lake Tebera Rainbowfish if you want a peaceful, active shoal for a long planted aquarium. It is best for keepers who can offer space, a proper group and stable water, rather than for very small beginner tanks.
