Species profile
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
Peaceful
Moderate care
220 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Temperature corrected downward from generic tropical-rainbow values; this highland species is supported at 20–26°C.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.8
GH
10–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
1.5
Peaceful active shoaler; keep six or more.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
220 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
Native range
Lake Tebera basin in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, with a record from Karamui.
Natural habitat
Highland lake and stream habitat. Provide a long planted aquarium with a large central swimming area, clean oxygen-rich water and a secure cover.
Diet & feeding
Mixed quality dry foods plus frozen/live invertebrate foods; include some plant-rich material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males become larger, deeper-bodied and more intensely yellow than females.
Breeding
Continual non-guarding egg scatterer; use fine plants or spawning mops and separate eggs/fry from adults.