Allen's rainbowfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the streams of the peninsula north of the Siriwo River, in Irian Jaya (Indonesian New Guinea). Populates clear streams amidst dense forests, with patchy sun exposure.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Allen's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina alleni). Rainbowfish belonging to the Melanotaeniidae family. Rather massive, reaches 10 cm (4 inches). Like all Chilatherina, the head profile is pointed, suited for surface predation.

Social Behavior: Very active schooling fish. Males engage in dominance "displays" by pulling up alongside each other, darkening some stripes and vibrating, a continuous but rarely lethal spectacle. They must be in a group of at least 6-8.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males (especially the "Wapoga" variant) boast a flaming red upper back that fades into an iridescent blue on the flanks, interrupted by stripes. Females are silver-gray, thinner and without the bright reflections.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 100 cm (40 inches) in length. Rainbowfish are tireless swimmers. Dense planting in the background, branched wood, but essential to provide 2/3 of the tank with bright light and open space for swimming.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore with a carnivorous predilection (fallen insects). Easily accepts high quality feeds (floating or semi-sinking granules), freeze-dried and live (brine shrimp, mosquito larvae).

Water Quality: Thrive in neutral or slightly alkaline and hard waters (pH 7.0-8.0, GH 8-15). Intolerant to old and acidic waters. Weekly 30% water changes are fundamental to stimulate colors and health.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent inhabitant for medium-sized community tanks. Perfect together with Tateurndina, other Melanotaeniids, Botia or Loricariids. Too restless to coexist with Discus or slow fish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Serial breeders. In planted tanks (moss or mop) they lay a few eggs a day. The eggs take about 7-10 days to hatch. Adults will ignore the young if very well fed, but it is better to separate the mop.

Risks and Diseases: The appearance of spinal deformities or skin ulcers is the first symptom of "Mycobacterium marinum" (Fish Tuberculosis) to which Rainbowfish are genetically exposed if water cleanliness degenerates.