Choosing a Rainbow Fish

Choosing a Rainbow Fish

By: Dr. Amy Wolff

The addition of rainbow fish to any community tankEclipse Curved-Front Aquarium System
Marineland/Aquaria Eclipse Aquarium System has unique combinations of beauty, precision and 3-stage BIO- Wheel filtration efficiency, the Eclipse Aqua...
will reward the hobbyist with a peaceful, easy to raise fish. Native to Australia and New Zealand, they are an excellent choice for the beginning hobbyist as there are several colorful varieties from which to choose. They will get along well with almost any other community fish.

Appearance and Behavior

As their name implies, rainbows are a colorful mix of red and blue stripes on a silvery background. The males are brighter and more distinct than the females and they readily breed in the home aquarium. They are a peaceful schooling fish and do best in numbers of three to five individuals. Their activity level increases during the breeding period.

There are several species available for the hobbyist:

  • Cape York Rainbow A larger species, can grow to 6 inches and has a more silvery appearance than its cousins.


  • Dwarf Rainbow Bright red tail and pelvic fins distinguish this species that can reach 3 to 4 inches in length.

  • Australian Rainbow The most common of the species with a mix of blue yellow and red coloration. Can grow to 4 inches.

    Feeding and TankEclipse Curved-Front Aquarium System
    Marineland/Aquaria Eclipse Aquarium System has unique combinations of beauty, precision and 3-stage BIO- Wheel filtration efficiency, the Eclipse Aqua...
    Requirements


    Rainbows are easy to feed. They will do well on flakeFormula One Flakes
    Ocean Nutrition Formula One Flakes; Extra Algae with fresh seafood's make this a gourmet natural food for herbivorous marine and freshwater fishes...
    foods and liveJumboKrill Freeze Dried Jumbo Shrimp
    These whole, freeze-dried shrimp are an excellent source of protein, fat, vitamin E and roughage for all large, carnivorous tropical and marine fish. ...
    foods such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae and brine shrimpJumboKrill Freeze Dried Jumbo Shrimp
    These whole, freeze-dried shrimp are an excellent source of protein, fat, vitamin E and roughage for all large, carnivorous tropical and marine fish. ...
    . They like a tank with an open swimming area and well planted corners for cover. Rainbows will breed easily, but they will eat the eggs after spawning so be sure to feed them well while the eggs are incubating, about 1 week. Maintain tank temperature between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit, pH-6.5-7.5

    Special Concerns

    Rainbows prefer aquatic plantsAquarium Plants Mini Encyclopedia
    Barron's Aquarium Plants Mini Encyclopedia includes hundreds of different aquarium plants are illustrated in color with detailed descriptions of e...
    with fine leaves. Try hornwort, foxtail or milfoil.        

     
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