fish description – Paskai Rainbowfish Care Guide ()
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Appearance and Sexual Differences
- Short Description: This fish is easily recognized by its glowing electric-blue eyes set against a body that is typically translucent with vibrant red to orange coloration. Males engage in frequent, delightful fin-flaring competitions.
- Coloration: Males display a beautiful semi-translucent body that is often yellow-orange to red, with narrow, dark scale outlines. The fins may have red, yellow, or white tips and scattered black spots. Females are subtler, generally yellowish with transparent fins.
- Fins: Males possess elongated dorsal and anal fin rays, making their fins appear larger and more ornate, especially during courtship.
- Behavior: They are highly active and spend most of their time in the upper water column. They are shoaling fish that use group numbers for security, constantly darting and interacting playfully.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons is sufficient for a small school. A 20-gallon tank or larger is better if housing with other small species. A lid is recommended as they can jump.
- Schooling: They should be kept in schools of at least 6–8 individuals. Keeping a larger group, ideally with more females than males (2:1 or 3:1), minimizes male harassment and maximizes the vibrant color displays.
- Temperature: Tropical range: ––. They prefer stable, warm conditions.
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral water: 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer soft to moderately hard water ( of 5 to 12). Pristine water quality is essential.
- Aquascape: Mimic their densely vegetated natural habitat. Use gentle filtration (sponge filters are ideal) to avoid strong currents. Provide dense planting (Java Moss, Hornwort, Anubias) and floating plants to diffuse light and provide ample cover. A dark substrate enhances their red and blue colors.
Diet and Feeding
The Paskai Rainbowfish is an omnivore that naturally feeds on micro-organisms.
- Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or finely crushed flake food that is small enough for their mouths.
- Supplementation: For optimal health and color, supplement often with small, protein-rich live or frozen foods: Baby Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and Cyclops.
- Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes to prevent fouling the water.
Compatibility
- Caution: They are timid and can easily be out-competed for food by larger or overly boisterous fish.
- Good Tank Mates: Other small, peaceful, non-aggressive species. Excellent companions include Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras, Corydoras catfish (Pygmy or Panda), and Adult Dwarf Shrimp (though they may eat shrimplets).





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