Celebes rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Wild range: Bantimurung area, south Sulawesi, Indonesia (Asia)

At a glance: Celebes rainbowfish care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Celebes rainbowfish?

The compiled profile lists 22.0–28.0 °C for Celebes rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Celebes rainbowfish?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 18.5 US gallons (70.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Celebes rainbowfish?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 7.0–8.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

Marosatherina ladigesi inhabits tropical freshwater environments characterized by a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0 and hardness levels between 9 and 19 dGH. It is typically found in benthopelagic zones, indicating that it thrives close to the water's bottom, but it can also be found near the surface during certain activities such as feeding or spawning.

Where they are found

Once common, it has been overfished for the aquarium trade in its native waters, leading to its classification as vulnerable. Mass production in fish farms aims to alleviate pressure on wild populations.

Aquarium care

Keep water conditions stable and maintain high water quality with regular changes. A well-planted tank is recommended for comfort and cover.

Feeding

As omnivores, Celebes rainbowfish will thrive on a mixed diet that includes high-quality flake foods, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia, and vegetable matter to ensure they receive balanced nutrition.

Compatibility

Best kept in groups with adequate females to males. Avoid fin nippers as their fins are delicate.

Breeding

Breeding this species requires a breeding aquarium with slightly hard, alkaline water. Fry are best raised separately as adults may consume the eggs; initial feeding should include infusoria and then progress to small live foods.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.