How difficult is it to keep Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

The ideal temperature for Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

The average lifespan of Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish get?

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish typically reaches Up to 12cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish?

The price of Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish

Intermediate

Melanotaenia lacustris

A rainbowfish from Papua New Guinea with a sky-blue back and silvery white underside, endemic to Lake Kutubu and its outflow, the Soro River. It prefers hard, slightly alkaline water and colours up best in a shoal.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

20〜25℃

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

Up to 12cm SL

Diet

Dried, frozen and live foods

About

Melanotaenia lacustris occurs only in Lake Kutubu and its outflow, the Soro River, in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. FishBase records a maximum of 10cm SL, pH 7.0-8.0, 9-12 dH and 20-24C, and describes it as an omnivorous, peaceful community fish. Seriously Fish gives 12cm SL, 20-25C, pH 7.0-9.0, 10-20 dGH and a 120 x 30cm base of about 108 litres, warning that it does poorly in soft, acidic water. Lake Kutubu covers about sixty square kilometres, formed when volcanic debris blocked a valley, and ten of the fourteen fish species recorded there are endemic. Adult blue is striking, but almost all fish offered for sale are the much drabber juveniles. Overfishing and oil development have led the IUCN to list the species as Endangered, and the lake was designated a Wetland of International Importance in 1998.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish

The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish lives 5-8 years.

Size of the Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish

The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish grows to Up to 12cm SL.

Temperature & humidity for the Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish

The ideal temperature for the Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish is 20〜25℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Papua New Guinea (Lake Kutubu and the Soro River, Southern Highlands)

Lifespan

5-8 years

Care Specifications

pH: 7–9
Hardness (GH): 10–20 dGH
Water Temp.: 20–25℃
Min. Tank: 108 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Melanotaenia lacustris Munro, 1964

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN EN · Endangered

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.