Turquoise Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris) is a beginner-level freshwater fish that needs at least 40 gallons and 75-82°F. A deep-bodied rainbowfish with blue-turquoise color over a darker back. It is active, peaceful and good in a long community tank with hard, alkaline water, and it needs a lid.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Melanotaenia lacustris |
|---|---|
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Origin | Lake Kutubu, Papua New Guinea |
| Adult size | 5 in |
| Minimum tank | 40 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep 6+ |
| Swim level | Upper to mid |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Diet | Omnivore: flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Keep a group of six or more.
- Use a tight lid.
- Give it a long tank, not just a tall one.
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