Ornate Rainbowfish (Rhadinocentrus ornatus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 30 gallons and 64-77°F. A small, shy rainbowfish from soft, tea-colored coastal streams. It prefers cool, soft, slightly acidic water and a planted tank with gentle tankmates, and it is less tolerant of hard alkaline water than other rainbowfish.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Rhadinocentrus ornatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Origin | Eastern Australia (coastal Queensland and New South Wales) |
| Adult size | 3 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gallons |
| Temperature | 64-77°F |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep 6+ |
| Swim level | Mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: micro pellets, flakes, baby brine shrimp, small frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 3-5 years |
Quick tips
- Keep a school of six or more.
- Use soft to moderately soft water.
- Avoid boisterous tankmates.
San Diego water
Prefers softer, more acidic water than San Diego's tap (pH roughly 7.6-8.6, hard). Most keepers blend tap with RO/DI water or use a remineralized RO/DI supply. 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