Chilatherina bleheri - Bleher's Rainbow
Chilatherina bleheri - Bleher's Rainbow
Chilatherina bleheri - Bleher's Rainbow
Chilatherina bleheri - Bleher's Rainbow

Chilatherina bleheri - Bleher's Rainbow

$20.99

Common Name: Bleher's Rainbowfish
Scientific Name: Chilatherina bleheri
Native Region: Lake Holmes (Danau Bira), lower Mamberamo River system, Irian Jaya, Indonesia
Origin: Tank Bred, USA
Adult Size: Approximately 4–4.75"
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Currently Feeding On: EBO Sealife Proaktiv, EBO Artemia Softgran, Sera Immune Probiotic Granules
Swimming Level: Mid to upper water column
Recommended Group: 6+

Bleher's Rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) is a stunning and relatively uncommon rainbowfish from the remote Lake Holmes system of West Papua, Indonesia. Males develop beautiful metallic blue-green and silver coloration accented by yellow, orange, and red, with mature males developing an especially striking yellow-orange forehead stripe when displaying.

Native to Lake Holmes and its associated streams, this species is found in clear freshwater habitats with vegetation and rocky areas. In the aquarium, they do best in a spacious setup with plenty of open swimming room, plants around the perimeter, and good water movement. A darker substrate and subdued areas can also help bring out their impressive coloration.

Bleher's Rainbowfish are peaceful, highly active schooling fish that are best kept in a proper group. Once established, males will regularly display to one another, showing off their colors and finnage. Keeping multiple females with the males helps distribute breeding activity and creates a more natural social environment.

Care Requirements

Temperature: 73–81°F
pH: 7.0–8.0
Tank Size: 45 gallons or larger
Water: Neutral to slightly alkaline; soft to moderately hard
Group Size: 6 or more

Bleher's Rainbowfish are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes, granules, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods. A varied diet including daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods will help maintain their health and coloration.

Their peaceful nature makes them excellent community fish when paired with other similarly sized, active species. Other rainbowfish, larger peaceful tetras, barbs, Corydoras, and other non-aggressive community fish can make suitable companions. Avoid slow-moving or overly timid tankmates that may be stressed by their constant activity.

Provide plenty of open swimming space while using plants, driftwood, and other décor around the sides and rear of the aquarium. Strong filtration, good oxygenation, and stable water quality are recommended for this active species.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Breeding: Egg scatterer; spawning can be encouraged with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants. Eggs are scattered over the spawning medium and adults should be separated from eggs or fry to prevent predation.

Why We Like Them

  • Rare and beautiful West Papuan rainbowfish

  • Brilliant metallic blue, yellow, orange, and red coloration

  • Mature males develop an impressive yellow-orange forehead stripe

  • Peaceful schooling behavior

  • Excellent choice for larger planted community aquariums

  • Active and engaging display behavior

  • Endemic to the Lake Holmes system of Indonesia

All livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.