Lake Wanam Rainbowfish (Glossolepis wanamensis)

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Lake Wanam Rainbowfish

Glossolepis wanamensis4927.jpg
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish

Glossolepis wanamensis

95 Litres (25 US G.)

8-9 cm (3.1-3.5")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.5 - 7.8

26 -30 °C (78.8-86°F)

8-10 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Melanotaeniidae




Origin

Oceania: known only from Lake Wanam, a roughly circular lake situated on a small plateau 24 km west of Lae, Papua New Guinea.

Sexing

Males are more colourful and larger than females.

Tank compatibility

An active peaceful fish best kept in groups of 5 or more, females should out number males. Should be kept with similar sized peaceful fish, however, shy and slow moving fish may be bothered by the active nature of this Rainbowfish. Tank mates could include larger Tetras, Danios, other Rainbowfish or Corydoras.

Diet

Should accept most foods including pellets and flake, supplement with small meaty foods such as brine shrimp. May also eat snails.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

These fish need a large and long tank in which to swim. The tank should be mature with excellent water quality. They appreciate a combination of dense planting and open swimming space without bright lighting or strong currents.

Behaviour

A peaceful and active mid-swimming fish which loosely shoals. Males will display to one another.

Identification

Typical Rainbowfish shape with the arched spine, not as pronounced as some Rainbows however. The flanks are very iridescent with a gold base colour overlaid with turquoise iridescence.

Species Notes

This fish is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List[1] and therefore if you see this fish available in aquatic stores you should enquire whether its farmed or wild caught. Wild caught fish should be avoided.
When buying this fish be wary of hybrids, a result from some Asian breeders, they are known to hybridise with Glossolepis incisus and Glossolepis multisquamata. If they don't look quite right, then chances are they're undesirable hybrids and should be avoided.

Pictures

References

External links