
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marosatherina ladigesi
An Indonesian fish from Sulawesi with a blue-glowing stripe along a translucent body; males extend black filaments from the dorsal and anal fins. It likes hard, slightly alkaline water, and in a shoal the males display those fins constantly.
Marosatherina ladigesi occurs only in waters around Bantimurung in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and is the sole member of its genus. It was long known as Telmatherina ladigesi, a name still used in much of the literature. FishBase records a maximum of 8cm SL, pH 7.0-8.0, 9-19 dH and 22-28C, and describes it as an easily bred, omnivorous, peaceful community fish. Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, pH 7.0-8.0, 10-25 dGH and a 76 x 30cm base of about 68 litres, and notes it tolerates brackish conditions to a degree. Males extend black filaments from the dorsal and anal fins and display them constantly within a group. Overcollection for the aquarium trade has reduced its numbers and the IUCN rates it Vulnerable. It is not covered by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Celebes Rainbowfish lives 5-8 years.
The Celebes Rainbowfish grows to Up to 8cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Celebes Rainbowfish is 22〜28℃.
Origin
Indonesia (Bantimurung area, South Sulawesi)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Marosatherina ladigesi (Ahl, 1936)
Synonyms: Telmatherina ladigesi
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Up to 8cm SL
Temperature
22〜28℃
Dried, frozen and live foods
Seriously Fish suggests a 76 x 30cm base of about 68 litres. Separate planted areas from open swimming space so that males have room to spread their fins and display.
Both Seriously Fish and FishBase give 22-28C and pH 7.0-8.0; hardness is 10-25 dGH per Seriously Fish and 9-19 dH per FishBase. It prefers hard, slightly alkaline water and should not be kept soft and acidic.
Very peaceful and suited to similar-sized hard-water species such as other rainbowfish, livebearers and freshwater gobies; in brackish setups mollies and halfbeaks also work. A shoal of six to eight or more reduces its shyness.
Omnivorous and unfussy, taking dried, frozen and live foods. Regular live and frozen feeds improve male colour and fin development.
An egg scatterer that breeds readily, though the early fry take some effort. Use a spawning tank at about pH 7.5 and 22C or above with java moss or spawning mops; the female lays a few eggs daily.
Overcollection for the trade has reduced wild numbers and the IUCN rates it Vulnerable, so captive-bred stock spares the source population. It suffers in water that is too soft, so keep the chemistry stable. It is not covered by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Celebes Rainbowfish is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Celebes Rainbowfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Celebes Rainbowfish typically reaches Up to 8cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Celebes Rainbowfish feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Celebes Rainbowfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026