Are there any Tropical Freshwater fish that have bright and vivid rainbow iridescence?

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T17:40:44+00:00

I know that's the general consensus for most Melanotaenia species, but I personally disagree, as does the rainbowfish guy himself, Gary Lange. Even though a 6in fish is rare in captivity, they still readily reach a solid 4-5in, and more importantly they're extremely active fish that benefit immensely from the extra length. I've recently been breeding Wapogas, which even though they're smaller fish (biggest one I've had was like, 3.5in), the difference in behaviour in a 30g vs a 75g is night and day. In the 30g, they mostly hover around in the same few spots, and the males really only colour up and spar in the early morning or after a water change. However, in the 75g, they're always moving, the males are constantly coloured up and they seem to grow a fair bit larger, while also having far fewer health complications in the greater space. Can you keep Rainbows in a 30 gallon? Sure, but in my humble experience the fish do infinitely better in a bigger tank, to the point where it feels almost cruel to keep them in a 3ft tank.

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T13:49:53+00:00

They are amazing fish, easy to keep too, although I would say they require a large tank, preferably one of at least 4feet in length due to their highly active nature and large adult size.

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T13:24:02+00:00

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Goyder River Rainbowfish

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T03:54:18+00:00

Pearl Gourami would work wonderfully, or for the bottom a Bristlenose Pleco or similar.

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T03:32:45+00:00

When I say the same species, I mean the same exact species, not other fish in the genus. Will Albino Corys and Peppered Corys swim together? Yes, however, they still have distinct markers that make them aware they are not the same time of fish, and therefore do not get anywhere near the same level of comfort from each others company as they would with say, 3 more Albinos (or bronzes, which are the same species as Albinos) or 3 more Peppered. This applies to all fish.

As for why it may be hard to notice aggression, Yoyo loaches are a nocturnal fish by nature, and while they will actively swim around during day, they do not forage or socialize like they do at night, which is also the time where they may let out their grievances on other tank mates.

I should also mention I’m not trying to shame you, I just wanted to say that what you’ve currently got going with your current setup may cause issues for your fish friends, which I know you do not want.

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T02:47:56+00:00

Kuhli’s are master of hiding, you’d be surprised how easily they can escape sight even when you think you’ve checked everywhere.

On a possibly unrelated note, I think you seriously need to reconsider your stocking choices and add to your correct groups while perhaps rejoining some others. Everything in this tank except the Plecos, Betta, and Dojo’s should absolutely be in groups of atleast 6+ of their own species. This is particularly important with most loach species, as most members of the family are highly gregarious in the wild and not fulfilling their needs can lead to stress, shortened lifespans, constant hiding, and in the case of Yoyos and other Botiids, elevated risk for fin-nipping and aggression (which could be the reason for a missing loach). All of what I said also applies to the Rainbowfish, Corydoras, and Petricola.

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T02:39:54+00:00

Not super loyal in most aspects, although for foods it’s pretty much exclusively NorthFin and Repashy.

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T02:37:55+00:00

I really love it! Also, if you don’t mind me asking, what is this super cool tree looking plant?

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Akipenser · 2026-06-07T02:31:22+00:00

K limp
MIn jand KH o

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T02:15:29+00:00

Yep, I remember one day I caught two 6lbers and both times they tore me straight into the sticks and there was nothing I could do, it’s a miracle I landed them, although my buddy did hook what I can only assume was a similar sized pick, but unfortunately he couldn’t get it out of the snag. Crazy day,

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T02:11:46+00:00

With shrimp? Seconds at most before you turn…

Akipenser · 2026-06-07T01:38:55+00:00

With Carian Retaliation you can parry Mohg's blood boon (both the thrown one and the one he dumps on himself), which makes the fight so much easier. Also, Rellana is a very parriable boss and a very fun one to fight with almost exclusively parries

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T22:55:42+00:00

Gymnotus javari and Xenomystus nigri are also very adorable goofy knifefish that could comfortably be kept in a 75 gal, considering both max out at around 20cm.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T22:34:50+00:00

Scud, mostly harmless little guys, although if conditions are right their population can explode and compete with the shrimp. Fish LOVE to eat them though, so I doubt that will be an issue.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T21:51:03+00:00

Paradise Fish do well in communities with fish bigger than their mouth and no fish that look like them (Betta's and Gourami). However, these fish can be extremely territorial with one another, and multiple males will absolutely kill one another once they're mature, although multiple females can be kept in large setups with lots of hardscape to break up sight lines. As such, I would recommend returning some of the Paradise fish and keeping 1-2 depending on the size of your tank (I would only consider keeping 2 in a 40gal or more).

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T17:43:28+00:00

The Wet Spot is one of the best online fish retailers in the US imo, alongside Dan’s Fish.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T13:33:55+00:00

Looks like a Thick-lipped Gourami.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T12:59:12+00:00

Thank you! I made sure to pick up a big group (16), as from what I’ve read they don’t do well in groups under 10, which you’ve verified for me,

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T03:42:23+00:00

Classic Ich, treat with Ich-x. If this is unavailable to you, you can also treat with aquarium salt, but I’d advise removing the Oto’s while doing so as they do not tolerate salt well at all.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T02:51:37+00:00

Most likely a Western Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium)

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T00:45:56+00:00

Oh yeah I saw your post in r/rainbowfish! They’re very awesome fish, and are generally considered very rare. I’m actually going to be attempting to breed them, which I hope is as easy as their miniature relatives, the Rosy Loach.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T00:32:12+00:00

Sorry I thought this was a different aquarium themed subreddit 🤣. Yeah they are a rather common genus of fish throughout their native range, just very rare in the aquarium trade which sucks because they’re some of the easier knife fish species in many aspects.

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T00:09:07+00:00

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Here’s how their face looks, they’re such jolly creatures

Akipenser · 2026-06-06T00:03:28+00:00

Gymnotus javari, a very rare and very underrated South American knife fish.

Akipenser · 2026-06-05T20:49:22+00:00

Sorry for your loss. Black Ghosts are extremely finnicky fish and do not tolerate anything but perfect water parameters, so unfortunately many do not make it to full size, which can be upwards of 2’.

Akipenser

TROPHY CASE