Celebes Rainbowfish - Marosatherina ladigesi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Celebes Rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi) is a peaceful species that adds a vibrant touch to any community tank while exhibiting fascinating behaviour. These fish tend to be timid by nature and prefer an aquarium with plenty of artificial or natural plant life to provide cover, reducing anxiety that can lead to skittishness. Additionally, they are susceptible to common diseases that could potentially be cured. Therefore, even experienced aquarists may find it challenging to keep this fish healthy, making it all the more crucial to monitor their water conditions and health status closely.
It is highly recommended not to house Celebes Rainbowfish with fin nippers, given their intricate and delicate fins, which vary from fish to fish. As males mature, their fins may naturally separate and change length, making distinguishing damage caused by fin nippers is challenging. Rounded edges on the splits are an excellent indication that no harm has been done. However, their elaborate fins also make them more susceptible to certain diseases, such as fin rot, which can strike without warning. To create a harmonious environment, Celebes Rainbowfish should be kept in shoals of at least six to eight individuals, preferably more. This is because the males tend to display their best colours when in the company of other males. In addition, keeping two to three females for every male in the aquarium is recommended.
Successfully maintaining Celebes Rainbowfish in an aquarium can be challenging, necessitating meticulous attention to their specific requirements. These fish thrive in environments characterized by pristine water quality, which should be maintained at a medium to hard level. However, it is vital to exercise caution when implementing water changes, as Celebes Rainbowfish can be sensitive to fluctuations.
Despite their small size, these fish are exceptionally active, underscoring the importance of providing a spacious habitat of at least 75 litres or more to accommodate their lively swimming behaviour. Due to their proclivity for jumping, it is imperative to secure the aquarium with a secure lid. Furthermore, adherence to a consistent maintenance routine, including weekly water changes ranging from 25% to 50%, is essential to ensure their well-being.
Celebes Rainbowfish exhibit graceful, elongated bodies adorned with a captivating fusion of iridescent blues and resplendent gold tones, rendering them a visually captivating species. Among the notable features of mature males are their exquisitely delicate and translucent fins, which include two dorsal fins that create a captivating sail-like effect. Of these dorsal fins, one is characterized by its diminutive size and striking black hue, while the other assumes a larger size and displays a striking two-toned colouration.
Celebes Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning between male and female Celebes Rainbowfish is a relatively straightforward task. Typically, males exhibit elongated black ventral and dorsal fins, are slightly larger in size, and display a darker hue than females. Conversely, females are smaller in stature, lack long fins, and generally possess a less vibrant appearance compared to their male counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Marosatherina ladigesi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1998 |
| Other Names | Celebes Sailfish, Celebes Sailfin |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Marosatherina |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 8 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 25 |
| TDS | 150 - 200 |
| ℉ | 72 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Celebes Rainbowfish is a captivating species, exclusively found near the town of Maros in Bantimurung, Southern Sulawesi, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia in Indonesia. In their natural habitat, these Rainbowfish thrive in clear, slow-flowing streams encircling foothills and estuaries, ranging from freshwater to mildly brackish water. Typically, they inhabit regions with elevated levels of dissolved oxygen, spending their days seeking refuge amongst the leafy foliage of plants, where they feed on small insects, worms, and vegetable debris.
Breeding
To breed Celebes Rainbowfish, it is recommended to establish a separate breeding tank furnished with abundant fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, with a temperature set to approximately 22°C. The onset of morning sunshine often serves as a catalyst for these fish to initiate spawning. After an intricate and often vigorously active courtship dance, the eggs are dispersed across the plants or mops.
These fish are classified as 'continuous spawners,' signifying that eggs are deposited over a period of days, weeks, or even months. Therefore, following each spawning event, removing the eggs to another tank with matching water conditions is imperative, as the greedy parents may consume them. Subsequent batches of eggs will become increasingly smaller.
Typically, the eggs hatch within 7-14 days, with the exact timescale influenced significantly by water temperature. As the fry are minuscule in size, it is essential to offer them appropriately sized foodstuffs. Additionally, frequent partial water changes must be conducted meticulously, as the fry is exceedingly sensitive to environmental changes.
Diet & Feeding
The Celebes Rainbowfish is a versatile species, readily accepting high-quality dried foods, such as granules, flakes, and sinking pellets, in the home aquarium. These modern food products are specifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements. While additional foodstuffs, such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals, such as mini bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex, offered once or twice a week, can provide additional health benefits, they are not essential for this fish's well-being.
In their natural habitat, these fish are omnivorous, consuming a small amount of vegetable matter. While most modern fish foods consider this and incorporate them into their products, supplementing your fish's diet with blanched vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini, is still advisable. It is crucial to avoid overfeeding your fish and promptly remove any uneaten food to maintain optimal water quality within the aquarium.
Frequently asked questions
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