Wapoga Red Rainbowfish

Allen's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina alleni)

Also known as the Wapoga Rainbowfish

A small and brilliantly colored freshwater rainbowfish from the Wapoga River system and tributaries in Irian Jaya (West Papua), Indonesia. Named in honor of the renowned ichthyologist Dr. Gerald R. Allen (Gerry Allen), who has described numerous rainbowfish species and contributed greatly to our knowledge of New Guinean ichthyofauna.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: 6.6 cm / ~2.6 inches SL.
• Appearance: Compact, fusiform body. Males display stunning pastel shades of blue, yellow, and orange with iridescent sheen and a dark midlateral stripe; females are more subdued with silvery to pale golden tones.
• Fin Details: Dorsal spines 5–7, dorsal soft rays 11–16; anal spines 1, anal soft rays 19–24.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 gallons for a small school (6 or more recommended for best coloration and natural behavior).
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 7.0–8.0, moderate hardness.
• Diet: Omnivorous — readily accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
• Behavior: Peaceful, active mid-to-upper water column schooling fish. Excellent for planted community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive companions. Provide a tight-fitting lid as rainbowfishes are known to jump.

IUCN Status Vulnerable (VU)

Add a palette of pastel blues, yellows, and oranges in honor of the legendary Dr. Gerald R. Allen with the beautiful Allen's Rainbowfish!