Lengurru Rainbowfish

Lengurru Rainbowfish ( Melanotaenia cf. ammeri )

A rainbowfish from the Lengurru region of West Papua, Indonesia. It is found in small, shallow streams with sand and gravel bottoms, leaf litter, and dead branches, typically in areas of second-growth forest.

• Maximum Size: Reaches approximately 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 inches) total length.
• Appearance: Bluish dorsally with a series of alternating mauve to blue-grey and pale yellow stripes along the side of the body, one per scale row. The midlateral blue stripe is usually much darker than the others. Median fins are generally yellow and become brighter in adult males.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for a school.
• Water Parameters: 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderate hardness. Leaf litter or tannins are 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 kept in groups.

IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT).