Ornate Rainbowfish

The ornate rainbowfish is the only species in its genus and lives in the tea-colored, very soft and acidic streams of the sandy coastal heathland (wallum) on the east coast of Australia. Its body is slim and elongated; males show an iridescent blue lateral stripe and fins that lean toward red, blue or orange. Isolated populations differ markedly in color and are usually kept in the hobby under their locality names. It grows to 5–6 cm; because it is sensitive to water parameters, it requires experience.

• At least 60 liters for a group of 6–10.
• 22–25°C, very soft and acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5 ideal); using reverse osmosis water and dried leaves/roots is beneficial.
• A dim layout with dense plants, roots and floating plants.
• It jumps; use a lid.
• Hybridization: Different locality forms interbreed and the form's distinctive colors are lost; keep each form separate.

Omnivorous but prefers small live and frozen foods: brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia and mosquito larvae. It can be supplemented with fine flakes and micro granules.

Peaceful and somewhat shy; males display to each other with spread fins. It gets along with shrimp and may only eat the young.

Good companions: Small tetras and rasboras that like soft water, blue-eye species, otocinclus, Caridina shrimp.

Avoid: Large and fast fish, fin nippers, species that need hard water.