Barred rainbowfish
Chilatherina fasciata
A rainbowfish from northern New Guinea with flanks crossed by dark vertical bars on a silver base with yellow and blue reflections — males in display drastically intensify their colors. Among the most active Chilatherina: it swims tirelessly in the upper zone and needs long tanks with ample open space. Prefers alkaline, well-oxygenated water with sustained flow, more than its genus cousins. Polygamous: at least 2–3 females per male ratio to contain male aggression during courtship.
Water Temperature
24 - 30 °C
pH Value
7 - 8.5
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Middle
Adult size
14 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 200 L
Minimum group
>= 6
GH
8 - 15 dGH
KH
4 - 7 dKH
TDS
160 - 295 ppm
Conductivity
250 - 461 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the northern part of New Guinea (Sepik and Mamberamo rivers). Populates a wide range of habitats, from large turbid rivers to crystal clear rainforest streams.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Barred Rainbowfish (Chilatherina fasciata). Among the largest Rainbowfish (reaches 14 cm / 5.5 inches). High, compressed body and tapered snout. There are numerous geographic color variants.
Social Behavior: Gregarious fish with inexhaustible energy. Forms hierarchical schools. Adult males perform complex ritual dances showing a "blaze" (reflected light) on the nape, rarely injuring themselves.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Very variable depending on the population (e.g. "Kali Tami", "Mamberamo"). They typically feature discontinuous vertical black stripes (fasciata) on the lower half, with bronze, blue or yellow reflections. Grayish, thinner females.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Requires considerable volumes (120-150 cm / 48-60 inches tank) due to size and speed. The best layout is a stony river with strong currents (movement pumps), some mighty roots and huge free spaces.
Diet and Feeding: Markedly omnivorous with a predilection for plant material (algae and aquatic plants in nature). Provide quality spirulina-based flakes, blanched spinach, freeze-dried and dried insects on the surface.
Water Quality: Very tolerant to variations, although it does its best in alkaline (pH 7.0-8.5) and moderately hard (GH 8-15) waters. Intolerant to ammonia, requires powerful filters given the abundant feeding needed.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent community fish for large aquariums. Coexists peacefully with calm Central American Cichlids, large barbs, Garra and giant rainbowfish (e.g. Melanotaenia trifasciata).
Aquarium Breeding: They mate in the morning near moss or roots. They release very few eggs at a time (2-5 a day) over a long period. The larvae almost always develop on the surface, exposed to predation if not protected.
Risks and Diseases: In tanks less than a meter (40 inches) in length they become or aggressive due to confinement stress, resulting in the collapse of immune defenses and the appearance of bacterial ulcers.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widespread in the northern part of New Guinea (Sepik and Mamberamo rivers). Populates a wide range of habitats, from large turbid rivers to crystal clear rainforest streams.
Origin
Africa and MadagascarSouth and Southeast AsiaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- This is a highly gregarious schooling fish that must be kept in groups of six or more. Males often flash brilliant colors and engage in harmless mock battles to impress females. They are generally peaceful toward other species and make wonderful community inhabitants.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- In the wild, they consume a mix of insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter. In captivity, they easily adapt to high-quality dry flakes or small pellets. Regular supplements of live or frozen bloodworms and daphnia will boost their health and coloration.
- Life expectancy
- 5-8 years
- The average lifespan of this species in the aquarium is 5 to 8 years under stable water conditions. Regular partial water changes and strong filtration are essential to maintain low bacterial counts and promote longevity. The overall health of the fish also benefits from a long tank.
- Adult size
- 14 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 14 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 11 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Chilatherina fasciata (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- School
- A ratio of at least two females for every male is highly recommended. This prevents females from being exhausted by the constant chasing of eager males. In larger shoals, maintaining an equal ratio can also work effectively to diffuse aggression.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Offer food to these active swimmers two to three times daily. Keep portion sizes small enough to be entirely consumed within roughly two minutes. This routine ensures proper digestion and prevents excess food from decaying in the tank.
- Bioload
- Medium
- Chilatherina fasciata has a moderate bioload relative to its size and active metabolism. Strong filtration is recommended to handle the waste produced by a schooling group. Regular partial water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels suitably low.
- Flow
- Strong
- They inhabit flowing streams in nature and appreciate moderate to strong water movement. Installing powerheads can help replicate this natural riverine environment successfully. Good oxygenation and flow will keep the fish vibrant, healthy, and highly active.
- Jump risk
- Yes
- Like most rainbowfish, they are prone to jumping when startled or excited. The aquarium must be completely enclosed with a tight, secure lid. Care should be taken during maintenance to prevent them from leaping out of the water.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are continuous spawners that lay a few eggs daily over fine-leaved vegetation. Adults will eat their own eggs and fry if given the opportunity, requiring a separate breeding tank. The fry hatch after roughly seven to ten days and need microscopic foods initially.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Community
- This species makes an excellent addition to large, peaceful community aquariums. They socialize well with other rainbowfish, peaceful barbs, and bottom-dwelling loaches. It is best to avoid keeping them with slow-moving fish that could be stressed by their constant activity.
- Tank level
- Middle
- They are fast open-water swimmers that utilize the middle and top levels. Leaving plenty of unobstructed horizontal swimming space is crucial for their well-being. Occasional floating plants can provide shelter and make them feel more secure.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 2.9 ± 0.3 se
- Resilience
- Medium (1.4 - 4.4 years)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5005
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.01122, b = 3.04
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
