Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A glorious fish when in full colors. Discovered by Dr. Gerald Allen and named in honor of T.F.H. founder, Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod. JJPhoto.dk
Overview
This fish gradually grows into a showstopper, with large males having deep golden hues at certain times of day and when courting. It was named by Dr. Gerald Allen, discoverer of many rainbowfish species, in honor of Herbert R. Axelrod, founder of Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine.
Rainbowfishes are active schoolers with many admirable qualities. They are best kept in groups of two females for every male—or larger schools in bigger tanks. The high arch of the back increases with age. These fish are slow to color up, requiring maturity and a mate to reach full coloration. Females are smaller and less colorful than the males.
Family: Melanotaeniidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Found in the wild in highland lakes and streams amidst steep mountains. The aquarium should have a layer of floating plants and be aquascaped around the perimeters, leaving plenty of open swimming room in the center. Decorate sparingly with rocks, driftwood, and a dark substrate and a planted backdrop.
Maximum length: 9 cm (4 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
Feeding
Omnivore. Takes prepared, frozen and live foods with equal enthusiasm. It is an active hunter that will capture live prey the instant it hits the water.
Aquarium Compatibility
Tankmates should be peaceful community types that have differing swimming habits and occupy different zones in the aquarium.
Breeding/Propagation
Pairs spawn in the morning and scatter the eggs, which adhere to fine-leaved plants and the roots of floating plants. Spawning mops can be used to collect eggs for hatching.
Notes
These fish jump; cover the tank securely.