Rainbow Fish

Shop colourful freshwater Rainbowfish online at Aquaholics Online.

Rainbowfish are active, peaceful freshwater fish known for their iridescent colours, schooling behaviour and impressive appearance in planted and community aquariums.

Our range may include Australian native Rainbowfish, Blue Eyes and other popular varieties such as Crimson Spotted, Eastern, Goyder, Neon, Threadfin and Turquoise Rainbowfish depending on availability.

Rainbowfish for Freshwater Aquariums

Rainbowfish are generally active swimmers that do best in aquariums with plenty of open swimming space.

Many species are peaceful and work well in community aquariums when kept with other fish of a similar size and temperament.

A suitable Rainbowfish aquarium should provide:

• Open swimming areas
• Good filtration
• Stable water conditions
• Suitable group sizes
• Live plants or natural cover
• Appropriate tank mates
• A varied diet

Keeping Rainbowfish in Groups

Most Rainbowfish are social fish and generally look and behave their best when kept in suitable groups.

Keeping several together can encourage:

• More natural schooling behaviour
• Increased activity
• Improved confidence
• Better colour display
• More natural interaction between fish

The appropriate group size depends on the species, adult size and aquarium dimensions.

Australian Rainbowfish

Australia is home to an impressive range of native Rainbowfish.

Popular Australian varieties can include:

• Crimson Spotted Rainbowfish
• Eastern Rainbowfish
• Murray River Rainbowfish
• Goyder River Rainbowfish
• Doublayi Rainbowfish
• Other locality-specific varieties

Australian Rainbowfish are particularly attractive in planted or naturally styled freshwater aquariums.

Neon Rainbowfish

Neon Rainbowfish are smaller Rainbowfish known for their intense blue body colour and contrasting fins.

Their compact size makes them particularly suitable for medium-sized planted community aquariums.

They are active schooling fish and generally look best when kept in groups.

Threadfin Rainbowfish

Threadfin Rainbowfish are delicate, elegant fish known for their elongated fins and distinctive display behaviour.

They are smaller and more peaceful than many larger Rainbowfish and are best kept with similarly peaceful tank mates.

Care should be taken to ensure they are not outcompeted for food by larger or more aggressive fish.

Turquoise Rainbowfish

Turquoise Rainbowfish are known for their strong blue-green colouration and active swimming behaviour.

They can become relatively large compared with smaller Rainbowfish species and benefit from a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room.

Aquarium Size

Rainbowfish vary considerably in adult size.

Smaller species may suit medium-sized aquariums, while larger Australian Rainbowfish need more swimming space.

Longer aquariums are particularly useful because Rainbowfish are active mid-water swimmers.

When choosing an aquarium, consider:

• Adult fish size
• Group size
• Swimming activity
• Tank mates
• Filtration
• Available open space

Always plan around adult size rather than the size of the fish when purchased.

Water Conditions

Rainbowfish generally appreciate clean, stable freshwater conditions.

Exact temperature, pH and hardness requirements vary between species and locality.

Many commonly kept Rainbowfish are relatively adaptable when changes are gradual and water quality remains consistent.

Always check the requirements of the individual species before purchasing.

Feeding Rainbowfish

Most Rainbowfish are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet.

Suitable foods may include:

• Quality tropical flakes
• Small pellets
• Native fish foods
• Insect-based foods
• Frozen foods
• Small live foods
• Spirulina or vegetable-based foods

A varied, nutritious diet can help support strong colour, growth and overall condition.

Rainbowfish & Live Plants

Rainbowfish are excellent fish for planted aquariums.

Live plants can provide:

• Natural cover
• Shaded areas
• Spawning sites
• Visual structure
• A more natural aquarium environment

Leave enough open swimming space through the centre or front of the aquarium so the fish can move freely.

Aquascaping for Rainbowfish

A well-designed Rainbowfish aquarium can combine plants and hardscape without restricting swimming space.

Useful elements include:

• Live plants
• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Sand or natural aquarium substrate
• Open swimming areas

Taller plants around the sides and back of the tank can create shelter while leaving the centre open for schooling behaviour.

Rainbowfish Tank Mates

Many Rainbowfish work well with peaceful freshwater community fish.

Possible tank mates include:

• Corydoras
• Bristlenose Catfish
• Peaceful Tetras
• Gouramis
• Other compatible Rainbowfish
• Australian native fish

Avoid very aggressive species and small fish that could be intimidated by larger, highly active Rainbowfish.

Filtration & Water Quality

Rainbowfish benefit from reliable filtration and good water circulation.

Active species generally appreciate well-oxygenated water, although the current should still suit the particular fish being kept.

Regular water changes and filter maintenance help maintain the stable conditions Rainbowfish need to thrive.

Rainbowfish Colours

One of the most attractive features of Rainbowfish is the way their colours develop as they mature.

Healthy adult males often display stronger colouration than juveniles or females.

Colour intensity can also be influenced by:

• Genetics
• Diet
• Water quality
• Aquarium lighting
• Social environment
• Fish maturity

Juvenile Rainbowfish may therefore look considerably different from fully coloured adults.

Buy Rainbowfish Online in Australia

Aquaholics Online stocks a changing range of freshwater Rainbowfish for Australian aquarium enthusiasts.

Because we are dealing with live livestock, individual species, locality varieties and sizes may vary throughout the year.

Browse the current range above to see which Rainbowfish are currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Rainbowfish good community fish?

Yes. Many Rainbowfish are peaceful and can be excellent community fish when kept with species of a compatible size, temperament and water requirement.

Do Rainbowfish need to be kept in groups?

Most Rainbowfish are social fish and generally do best when maintained in suitable groups.

How big do Rainbowfish grow?

Adult size varies considerably by species. Smaller varieties remain relatively compact, while larger Rainbowfish require significantly more swimming space.

What do Rainbowfish eat?

Most Rainbowfish are omnivorous and benefit from quality flakes or pellets supplemented with suitable frozen, live and vegetable-based foods.

Are Rainbowfish Australian native fish?

Many popular Rainbowfish species are native to Australia, although Rainbowfish also occur naturally in New Guinea and nearby regions.

Can Rainbowfish live with Corydoras?

Yes. Many Rainbowfish and Corydoras can coexist successfully when aquarium size, temperature and water conditions suit both species.

Are Rainbowfish good for planted aquariums?

Yes. Rainbowfish look particularly attractive in planted aquariums, provided enough open swimming space is maintained.

Do Rainbowfish need a heater?

Many commonly kept Rainbowfish benefit from stable tropical or subtropical temperatures. Exact requirements depend on the individual species.

Why are my Rainbowfish not very colourful?

Juveniles and females may naturally be less colourful than mature males. Diet, water quality, lighting, stress and social conditions can also affect colouration.

Do you ship Rainbowfish Australia-wide?

Aquaholics Online ships live fish to eligible Australian locations, subject to livestock availability, regional restrictions and biosecurity requirements.