Gary Lange's Rainbowfish

Gary Lange's Rainbowfish ( Melanotaenia garylangei )

Our fish are descended from a line of fish from the man himself, Gary Lange.

A rainbowfish described in 2019 from the Bird’s Head Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia. It occurs in small rainforest creeks with clear to tannin-stained water and muddy substrates, typically in shallow areas with floating vegetation. The species was named after rainbowfish enthusiast Gary Lange.

• Maximum Size: 3.5"
• Appearance: Body elongated. Adult males have a blue nape, olive-green upper side, a midlateral blackish stripe, and one or two red stripes above and below the midlateral stripe. The second dorsal, pectoral, anal, and middle portion of the caudal fin are red. Males develop elongated dorsal and anal fins.
• Fin Details: Dorsal fin rays IV–VI + I,12–15; anal fin rays I,16–20.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a school.
• Water Parameters: 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderate hardness. Tannin-stained water is beneficial.
• Diet: Omnivorous. Accepts high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, frozen foods, and live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.
• Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish that occupies the mid-to-upper water column. Best maintained in groups.

IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU) due to its restricted distribution.