Lake Tebera Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) is a captivating freshwater fish species highly sought after by aquarists. These Rainbowfish are renowned for their striking colouration and intriguing behaviour. Their vibrant hues and graceful swimming patterns make them a popular choice for hobbyists seeking to add a touch of natural beauty to their aquariums.
Given their shoaling nature, keeping Lake Tebera Rainbowfish in groups of 6 to 8 individuals is highly recommended, as they can become quite skittish if kept alone. Moreover, the presence of other males will often inspire males to display their most vivid and brilliant colours, enhancing the aesthetic value of the aquarium. Lake Tebera Rainbowfish can be housed alongside other peaceful species of similar size, such as Rainbowfish, Barbs, Danios, Characins, and peaceful Corydoras, with some enthusiasts even successfully accommodating them alongside Rift Lake Cichlids in community aquariums.
When creating the habitat for Lake Tebera Rainbowfish in your aquarium, it is advisable to emulate their natural environment by providing ample aquatic vegetation. Maintaining a gentle water flow is essential, as it not only promotes plant health but also ensures a conducive environment for the fish. It is beneficial to leave open spaces amidst the planted areas to facilitate swimming and enable males to engage in their characteristic displays. Consistently maintaining high water quality is crucial for the health and vitality of this species, making regular weekly partial water changes a recommended practice.
These fish boast bright yellow bodies, accentuated by a greenish tinge and adorned with a stunning bluish-to-black mid-lateral stripe extending from just before the eye to the base of the caudal fin. In addition, their caudal, dorsal, and anal fins are typically either red or yellow in colour. Notably, male individuals can develop exceptionally deep bodies, further accentuating their beauty and appeal in the aquarium setting.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing male from female Lake Tebera Rainbowfish can prove to be a challenging task unless they are in spawning condition, during which the differences between the sexes become more apparent. Males in spawning condition exhibit a white or vivid blue stripe originating at the first dorsal fin, extending across the neck and culminating at the tip of the snout.
Additionally, the male's head turns predominantly black, while the remainder of the body adopts a brilliant yellow hue, with red fins accentuating the striking colouration. In addition to the visual differences during spawning, males are generally more vibrantly coloured and more significant than their female counterparts. In addition, they develop deeper bodies and possess longer anal and dorsal fins, allowing them to exhibit more extended and elaborate fin displays during courtship rituals.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1981 |
| Other Names | Axelrodi Rainbowfish, Yellow Rainbowfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Melanotaenia |
| Origins | Papua New Guinea |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| 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 | 7.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 15 |
| ℉ | 68 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a remarkable species that is exclusive to the Tebera Lake Basin in Papua New Guinea and its neighbouring streams, ponds, swamps, springs, and marshes, ensconced by the verdant slopes of a rainforest-covered mountain range. These fish are primarily found in clear, slow-flowing waters, densely populated by vegetation, in both the lake itself and its surrounding tributaries. Their stunningly vibrant appearance and unique ecological niche make them an incredibly sought-after species among aquarium enthusiasts worldwide.
Breeding
Breeding Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a relatively straightforward process, as they are egg scatterers that will readily deposit their eggs amidst vegetation and substrate in suitable conditions. To facilitate successful breeding, a separate breeding tank should be established, replete with fine-leaved plants or Java Moss, and the water should be moderately hard and alkaline, with a temperature range between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be noted that these Rainbowfish do not thrive in soft, acidic water conditions.
While the substrate is unnecessary, a small air-powered sponge filter is recommended to ensure proper water movement and oxygenation for the breeding pair. Before spawning, it is advisable to condition the group with ample live and frozen foods until the females become plumper and the males begin to display to one another. The healthiest female and most vibrant male should then be selected and placed in the breeding tank. To induce spawning, the water temperature in the breeding tank may be raised slightly, and the pair will typically lay several batches of eggs daily for several weeks.
The eggs will be attached to plants or moss by a minute thread, and while the parents generally do not consume the eggs, it is recommended to remove them daily and transfer them to a rearing tank for easier fry maintenance. The eggs will typically hatch within 7 to 13 days, depending on the temperature. At this stage, the fry will require Infusoria until they are ready to accept microworms, baby brine shrimp, or commercially prepared fry foods. It is important to avoid sinking foods during this period, as the fry is inclined to stay near the water's surface. By following these guidelines, successful breeding of Lake Tebera Rainbowfish can be achieved with relative ease.
Diet & Feeding
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish are an unfussy and versatile species, exhibiting an omnivorous feeding behaviour that will readily accept various types of dried food, including flakes, granules, and micropellets, as well as high-quality algae-based food like green flake and frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and daphnia. Consistent and frequent feeding will enable these fish to exhibit their finest colours and optimal condition. Interestingly, Lake Tebera Rainbowfish also display a particular fondness for duckweed as a food source.
Frequently asked questions
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