Hailing from Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding areas, Rainbowfish have a strong following in the trade and are amongst some of the most hardiest and adaptable of aquarium fishes. Well deserving of their name, some Rainbowfish literally bare the colours of a rainbow, with streaks of reds, greens, blues, oranges, and yellows. The arched back that some species develop upon maturity give an even greater resemblance to a rainbow. The appearance of older, more mature Rainbows are nothing short of breathtaking, and courting males put on quite a show for the females. Fins spread out, and colours at their highest intensity, a community tank of Rainbows will certainly entertain.

 Rainbows generally run from 2” at their smallest, right on up to 6”. The smaller hardier species such as Neon Dwarf Rainbows, do great in the peaceful community tank and are common in the hobby. Other smaller more rare species found in the trade like the Threadfin and Celebes, are absolutely beautiful and peaceful species, which do wonders in smaller planted aquariums. Most Rainbow species in the trade though such as: Bosemani, Turquoise, Iran Red, Macculoch’s, Black banded, and Eastern and Western Rainbows, are highly active, and are up there with the Danios in that regard. Due to their high level of activity, Rainbows do best in a planted aquarium with lots of open swimming area, together with faster more active, resilient species such as Barbs, larger Danios, and Loaches or Sharks. Some species are even resilient enough to be housed with African Cichlids, much in the same way as the larger Danios, and this practice is actually very common amongst African cichlid enthusiast.