Threadfin Rainbowfish – Iriatherina werneri
Threadfin Rainbowfish – Iriatherina werneri is a beautiful, peaceful fish. The common names, Threadfin and Featherfin, describe the elegant fins of the mature male. Their fins are long and sweeping, showing gorgeous extended filaments on their dorsal fins. They contrast beautifully against the various shades of greens in a nature aquarium.
Common Name: Threadfin Rainbowfish
Scientific Name: Iriatherina werneri
Typical Adult Fish Size: 1.5 inches / 4 cm
Care Level: Intermediate
Natural Habitat: They are found in Indonesia, New Guinea and Northern Australia. Threadfin rainbowfish inhabits clear, slow moving waterways, lagoons and grassy swamp areas.
Ideal Tank Ecosystem: They enjoy a peaceful community aquarium. Threadfin rainbows are a perfect addition to a nature aquarium (planted tank). Remember when you are housing captive bred Threadfin Rainbow’s, it is vital to provide them with a long aquarium that has sections with lush plants. These fish absolutely love and need plenty of space for their active swimming habits. They are also well known jumpers. Keeping your aquarium covered fully will prevent these fish from jumping out.
Recommended Aquarium Capacity: 30 gallon
Species Compatibility: Peaceful community tank mates like Molly, Guppy, Platy and Tetra.
Aquarium Water Temperature: 23 – 32°C (73 – 89°F)
Aquarium Water pH: Range pH 4.5 – 7.5
Feeding: When feeding any fish, foods should be consumed after a few minutes. Any food that is leftover in the aquarium should be removed with a fine fish net as it will cause problems in your water conditions and the integrity of your fish. A tropical flake food diet is a great base food for the Rainbow. With the addition of live foods it will ensure the best possible health and longevity of your fish. Live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, fruit flies, micro worms, mosquito larvae, diced Earthworms, daphnia are all great foods to consider for their diet. It is always good to provide different types of food for their nutrition intake. Good food = healthy, vibrant fish.
Sexing: Adult males boast extended pelvic fins. They are larger and more colorful than females.
Breeding: Threadfin Rainbowfish – Iriatherina werneri deposits its eggs in vegetation or suitable substrate with plants like Java moss. It’s recommended to spawn in a pair or group consisting of a single male and two or three females. Females are capable of covering many eggs per day. Adults can either be added to the spawning tank for a week or so, until the first fry are spotted. You can also make daily observation and manually remove the eggs.
Males can be aggressive when finding a pairing female. It is recommended to create hiding spots so the females can recluse from aggressive males. Creating hiding spots in your aquarium will also decrease the stress on your fish.
Other Considerations: A popular fish for hobbyists. They should not be added to an aquarium that is not cycled or that is still cycling. Preferably an established tank for best results.
- Boesemani Rainbowfish – Melanotaenia boesemani
- Eastern Rainbowfish – Melanotaenia splendida
- Axelrodi Rainbowfish – Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
- Praecox Rainbowfish – Melanotaenia praecox
- Turquoise Rainbowfish – Melanotaenia lacustris
- Celebes Rainbowfish – Telmatherina ladigesi