Bleher's rainbowfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Lake Holmes (Danau Bira) in the Mamberamo River basin (Papua, Indonesia). The lake is isolated, surrounded by karstic limestone rocks and crystal clear water.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bleher's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri). Massive Rainbowfish, discovered by Heiko Bleher. Easily reaches 12 cm (4.7 inches). High and compressed body with a small, upward-facing mouth.

Social Behavior: Extremely peaceful, but it is a vigorous and hyperactive swimmer that requires schools of at least 6-8 specimens. Males exhibit dazzling colors during dawn displays, chasing each other without harm.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Spectacular coloration divided in half: anterior silvery or greenish, posterior intense red-orange. Adult males develop a very bright red coloration and a more convex back. Drab, silver-gray females.

Aquarium Setup: Tank at least 120 cm (48 inches) long. Prefers wide spaces for free swimming with dense vegetation (Vallisneria) only on the sides. A good surface current and calcareous rocks are important to maintain hardness.

Diet and Feeding: Opportunistic omnivore in nature. In the aquarium it accepts everything: flakes, floating granules, bloodworms, daphnia. The addition of foods containing astaxanthin will dramatically accentuate the red tones of the body.

Water Quality: Being a karst lake, the water must be hard and alkaline (pH 7.0-8.0, GH 8-15). Survives in neutral waters, but will lose much of the splendor of the colors. Very warm ideal temperature (25-30°C / 77-86°F).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for community tanks of active and peaceful medium-sized fish (Botia, other Rainbowfish, large tetras, Barbs). Do not pair with timid fish that could get stressed by the hyperactivity.

Aquarium Reproduction: Easy in a dedicated tank with a floating mop. The eggs hatch in 7-10 days. It is crucial to provide liquid micro-food or infusoria in the very first days of swimming of the tiny fry.

Risks and Diseases: Hyper-sensitive to nitrate accumulation. Fish Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium) manifests itself with lethal ulcers if the water ages or overcrowding causes immune stress.