Bleher's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 73-81°F. A deep-bodied rainbowfish with an orange back fading to blue, from a single lake system in Indonesia. Keeping more than one male in the group brings out brighter color and more natural display behavior than a single male alone.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Chilatherina bleheri |
|---|---|
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Origin | Lake Holmes and feeder streams, Mamberamo region, Indonesia |
| Adult size | 4.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 73-81°F |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep 6+, more than one male |
| Swim level | Upper to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: flakes, pellets, frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 4-6 years |
Quick tips
- Keep at least two males with several females.
- Needs a long tank with open swimming room.
- Likes hard, alkaline water, which suits San Diego tap well.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi