Bleher's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) — > 6cm

Overview

The Bleher's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) is a small, brilliantly colored rainbowfish from northern New Guinea. Celebrated for its shimmering iridescent hues and peaceful demeanor, this species thrives in planted community aquariums with stable water quality. Available for sale UK-wide, Bleher's Rainbowfish is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a colorful, active schooling fish with moderate care requirements and captivating displays.

Appearance and Coloration

Chilatherina bleheri displays a compact, deep-bodied profile with iridescent coloration that shifts between blue, green, yellow, and orange depending on lighting and mood. Males are more colorful than females, with extended finnage, vibrant body stripes, and intensified hues during courtship. The species has a distinctive high-backed body, large eyes, and translucent fins with subtle color highlights.

Natural Habitat

Bleher's Rainbowfish is endemic to Lake Holmes and surrounding freshwater habitats in northern New Guinea (Papua New Guinea). These environments feature clear to slightly tannin-stained water, moderate temperatures, abundant vegetation, and gentle to moderate current. The fish form schools in the wild, foraging for small invertebrates, insect larvae, and algae among plants and submerged wood.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 100-litre aquarium is recommended for a school of Bleher's Rainbowfish. Provide dense planting using species like Vallisneria, Amazon Sword, Cryptocoryne, or Java Fern, combined with driftwood and smooth rocks. Open swimming areas are essential, as this species is active and enjoys mid-water cruising. Moderate to strong filtration maintains excellent water quality, and a secure lid is essential, as rainbowfish can jump.

Water Parameters

Maintain soft to moderately hard water with pH 6.0-7.5 and temperatures between 24-28°C. General hardness (GH) of 5-12 dGH is ideal. Bleher's Rainbowfish performs best in mature, well-established aquariums with stable parameters and excellent oxygenation. Perform weekly water changes of 20-25% to control nitrate and maintain water quality. Avoid unstable water conditions or poor filtration.

Feeding and Diet

Chilatherina bleheri is an omnivore that thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality micro-pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and cyclops. Some vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods provide balanced nutrition and enhance coloration. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, ensuring food is consumed within a few minutes.

Behaviour and Personality

Bleher's Rainbowfish is a peaceful, active schooling fish that thrives in groups. Shoaling behavior is most pronounced when kept in larger numbers, with fish moving together in shimmering, coordinated patterns. Males may engage in mild displays or territorial behavior during courtship, but aggression is minimal and adds to the visual interest of the species. This species occupies the mid to upper water column.

Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include other peaceful rainbowfish, small peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and non-aggressive loaches. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, highly territorial fish, and very small fry or shrimp that may be eaten. Bleher's Rainbowfish coexists well with similarly sized, peaceful community fish in well-planted, spacious aquariums.

Breeding

Chilatherina bleheri spawns readily among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Breeding is most successful in a separate spawning tank with soft, neutral water (pH 6.5-7.0), gentle filtration, and dense planting. Condition adults with live foods, then introduce a pair or small group. Adults may eat eggs, so remove eggs or breeding pair to a rearing container. Fry hatch in 7-10 days and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to baby brine shrimp.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co specializes in healthy, vibrant rainbowfish sourced from reputable breeders and quarantined for your peace of mind. We provide expert guidance on planted tank setup, water chemistry, and compatible stocking to help you create a thriving community aquarium. With fast, reliable delivery across the UK and a commitment to sustainable fishkeeping, Tropical Fish Co is your trusted partner for quality freshwater fish.