Blue Rainbow Fish also known as Axelrodi Rainbow Fish are a popular species of tropical fish known for it's distinctive blue colour. Belonging to the Melanotaeniinae Family.
Originating in Papua New Guinea.
Features.
Approx. Size; 2-4"/5-10cm.
Origin; Papua New Guinea.
Family; Melanotaeniinae.
Temperament; Peaceful.
Lighting; Moderate.
Water Conditions.
Ideal PH; 6-7.5
Ideal Temperature; 24-28°C.
Ideal Waterflow; Moderate.
Ease of Care.
Blue Rainbow Fish are very easy to care for. They are a very peaceful and love living together. They can tolerate a range of water conditions. The only main time they can be difficult to look after is during breeding season where males will become territorial so its best to have a larger tank with more hiding spots to avoid fighting.
Diet.
Blue Rainbow fish will eat just about anything you give them but that does not mean you can just give them anything. Blue Rainbow's need a well rounded diet and because they are omnivores this means they will eat plants and live food. This includes Micro-pellets, small insects, normal fish flake, Baby Brine-Shrimp, very small Blood-worm and Glass Worms.
Compatibility.
Blue Rainbow Fish are very peaceful and love living in communities of other fish as well as a school of 6 of themselves. peaceful tank mates include angel fish although they can be aggressive so its best to see from where you buy your fish how aggressive there angel fish are, Barbs are a very peaceful tank mate and also have lovely colours bringing each others colours out. Corydora's Catfish are good because they live mostly at the bottom of the tank and Blue Rainbows usually occupy the middle to top of the tank.
Breeding/Sex.
Sexing Blue Rainbow Fish is relatively easy as males during breeding season will display more vibrant colours, if unsure when buying them the best way to check is if the first dorsal fin is touching or past the second you are most likely looking at a male but this is hard to tell when younger.
Lifespan.
On average Blue Rainbow Fish will live 5-8 years some aquarists have said they have had them live up to 15 years but this is a very rare case.
