Threadfin Rainbow Male

The Threadfin Rainbowfish has a beautiful colour and form. Adult males possess extended unpaired and pelvic fins, are larger and more colourful than females. The elegant beauty of these fish may be rather hard to believe when you consider the size of this fish, being only about 5 cm long. A well bred, healthy, adult Featherfin will display many different intense colors and beautiful fins.

A school of Threadfin Rainbowfish in breeding condition is easily one of the most spectacular sights in the aquarium. The common names, Threadfin and Featherfin, reflect the elegant fins of mature males. The fins are long and flowing with lovely extended filaments on the dorsal fins.

The gorgeous coloring of the Featherfin Rainbowfish paired with a gregarious and peaceful nature makes them an excellent inhabitant for the aquarium. These fish are fairly adaptable and will live happily in a tank without aggression. They are best suited to a planted tank. This fish dislikes harsh lighting and excessive open water. They do need frequent water changes, but a school of these fish will certainly brighten up any aquarium.

Behaviour and Compatibility

Very peaceful but not suitable for the general community tank since it’s easily outcompeted for food and the long fins of mature males may be nipped at by certain common species. It’s best maintained alone or with other fish of similar size and temperament. Freshwater shrimp also make suitable tank mates.

It is a shoaling species by nature and really should be kept in a group of at least 6 specimens, ideally 10 or more. Maintaining it in such numbers will not only make the fish less nervous but result in a more effective, natural-looking display.

Males will also display their best colours and some fascinating behaviour as they compete with one other for female attention.

Tank Conditions:

A hood or canopy or lower water level is recommended to ensure that this fish does not jump out of the aquarium. Other than this, all that is really needed to keep this fish happy is clean, stable water conditions and plenty of areas with cover, particularly vegetation

Floating plants such as duckweed and hornwort are very beneficial to this strictly schooling fish and will also discourage jumping.

Diet:

Omnivorous. High-quality flake, freeze-dried and frozen foods, both meaty and plant-based. Feed two to three times daily, but give them only what they can consume in less than 5 minutes. Providing treats of small live foods will help to maintain good health and frozen brine shrimp make a good treat for them.

Since they have tiny throats, it is best to crush flakes or pellets before feeding.  This will prevent injury.