Celebes Rainbowfish: A Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

The Celebes Rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi) is a stunning and energetic freshwater fish known for its iridescent blue body, yellow fins, and graceful movement. Native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, this species is highly prized among aquarists for its unique beauty and peaceful temperament.

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Marosatherina ladigesi
• Common Name: Celebes Rainbowfish
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Natural Habitat: Found in slow-moving streams, brackish waters, and coastal areas in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
• Behavior: Active, peaceful schooling fish that thrives in groups.
• Tank Preferences: Prefers a well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas.
• Ideal Water Parameters:
  • pH: 7.0 – 8.5
  • Hardness: Moderate to hard (8-15 dGH)
  • Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
  • Salinity: Can tolerate slightly brackish conditions.
• Care Level: Moderate

Origin and Distribution

The Celebes Rainbowfish is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, primarily inhabiting clear, slow-moving streams and coastal estuaries. Its natural habitat is rich in vegetation and driftwood, providing shelter and breeding grounds. Due to habitat destruction, wild populations are under pressure, making captive breeding efforts important.

Colors and Markings

• Body: Iridescent blue-silver hue that glows under good lighting.
• Fins: Yellow-tinted dorsal and anal fins, often with black edging.
• Tail: Transparent or slightly yellow, often with elongated fin extensions in males.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males have longer, more vivid fins compared to females.

Tankmates

• Best Companions:
  • Other small, peaceful fish like Neon Tetras, Rasboras, and Guppies.
  • Other Rainbowfish species such as Dwarf Neon Rainbows.
  • Bottom dwellers like Corydoras and Otocinclus.
• Avoid:
  • Large or aggressive fish that may stress or prey on them.
  • Slow-moving long-finned fish (e.g., Bettas) as Celebes Rainbows are fast swimmers.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small school (6+ individuals).
• Filtration: Moderate to strong filtration with good oxygenation.
• Water Changes: 20-30% weekly to maintain clarity and stability.
• Lighting: Bright lighting enhances their iridescent coloration.
• Substrate & Plants:
  • Fine gravel or sand substrate.
  • Live plants like Java Fern, Vallisneria, Hornwort, and Anubias for shelter.
  • Driftwood or rocks to mimic their natural environment.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Food Recommendations:
  • High-quality flake or micro pellet food for small fish.
  • Live or frozen foods (daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms).
  • Vegetable-based food (spirulina flakes, blanched spinach).
• Feeding Frequency: Twice a day in small portions.

Gender Differences

• Males: More elongated fins, brighter coloration, and extended dorsal and anal fins.
• Females: Shorter fins and more rounded body shape.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Breeding Requirements:
  • Dense vegetation or spawning mops for egg-laying.
  • Slightly warmer water (26-28°C) can encourage spawning.
• Egg Laying & Hatching:
  • Females lay eggs on plants or floating structures.
  • Eggs hatch in 5-7 days, and fry require infusoria or baby brine shrimp as their first food.
• Fry Care:
  • Keep fry in a separate nursery tank to improve survival rates.
  • Provide gentle filtration and stable water conditions.

Additional Resources

If you enjoy Celebes Rainbowfish, you may also be interested in:

• Neon Rainbowfish – A smaller, brightly colored rainbowfish.
• Forktail Blue-eye Rainbowfish – Another peaceful and active species.
• Boesemani Rainbowfish – A larger species with bold blue and orange coloration.

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