Etna Bay Rainbowfish

Etna Bay Rainbowfish ( Melanotaenia etnaensis )

A rainbowfish from the Etna Bay region of West Papua, Indonesia, particularly associated with the Ambalanga River and nearby small rainforest streams. It is a less common species in the aquarium hobby.

• Maximum Size: Reaches approximately 8–11 cm (3.1–4.3 inches) total length.
• Appearance: Adult males are blue-gray on the head and body with yellow spots on the middle half of the body. The large dorsal and anal fins are yellow-reddish. Females are similar in pattern but generally less intensely colored.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for a school.
• Water Parameters: 77–82°F (25–28°C), pH 7.4–8.5, moderate hardness.
• Diet: Omnivorous. Accepts high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, frozen foods, and live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.
• Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish. Best kept in groups.

IUCN Status: Not formally assessed.