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Contents
Overview
The Celebes rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi, formerly Telmatherina ladigesi) is a slender fish of about 2.8 in (7 cm), with a translucent lemon-yellow body, an iridescent turquoise stripe along the side and yellow fins with black rays. In males, the second dorsal and the anal fin extend into elegant trailing filaments.
It comes from streams in the Maros region of Sulawesi (Indonesia), where the species is listed as vulnerable. Keepers love its graceful look and the way its body glows under side lighting. It isn't as tough as the Australian rainbows: it is picky about water quality and prefers hard water, so it suits hobbyists with some experience.
Care and tank setup
A group needs at least 25 gallons (100 L) and a 30-32 in (80 cm) tank, with plants along the back and sides and open space near the surface, where it spends most of its time. Water is the key: hard, alkaline, clean and well oxygenated. In soft, acidic water it gets sick easily.
- Keep 8 or more with more females than males; males display to each other without real harm.
- Do frequent, moderate water changes and keep nitrates low.
- Gentle to moderate flow, some natural or side lighting, and a lid.
It's peaceful but skittish, so choose calm hard-water tank mates such as platies, mollies, larger rasboras, corydoras, small rainbows or shrimp. Avoid aggressive fish and fin nippers, which go after its filaments. A common mistake is keeping it in a soft-water tank designed for tetras.
Feeding
An omnivore that feeds mostly at the surface. Offer quality floating flakes or micro-pellets and frequently add brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and small insects (flightless fruit flies), which trigger natural behavior. Two or three small feedings a day work best. It doesn't pick much off the bottom, so don't overdo it.
Breeding
It's a continuous spawner: males court daily and females place a few sticky eggs on fine plants, Java moss or a spawning mop. Adults eat the eggs, so move them to a container filled with the same water. Eggs hatch in 8-12 days, and fry need infusoria, then baby brine shrimp. They grow slowly and are sensitive to water quality.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Celebes rainbowfish. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Molly Poecilia sphenops 26 gal (100 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae 11 gal (40 L) · 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii 32 gal (120 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Celebes rainbowfish, and why.
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Celebes rainbowfish healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Celebes rainbowfish need?
At least about 100 liters for a group of at least 8 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Celebes rainbowfish need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 7 to 8.
What fish can live with the Celebes rainbowfish?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Bristlenose pleco, Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Bronze cory and Molly. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Celebes rainbowfish be kept with shrimp?
Yes: it usually won’t eat adult shrimp, though some shrimplets may get picked off. A tank with plenty of moss gives the babies cover.
