Scientific Name: Melanotaenia lacustris

Please note – The image used above is for illustration purposes only; Size, colour and sex may vary. Many of our livestock species are sold as juveniles and have not yet reached their full size and colour potential. If you have any concerns about the size or colour of the livestock you wish to order, please contact our livestock team via our support centre before placing your order. Due to the large quantities of livestock orders daily, the livestock team will are unable to select fish / shrimp to meet specific gender or aesthetic needs.

Approximate purchase size : 3.5 - 5cm
All Pond Solutions will always endeavour to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible. Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions this may not always be possible. Images used are to show the full potential of the fish when fully mature and are not always representative of juvenile specimens.

How easy are they to care for?
We would class these as an easy level of care.

How large can they grow?
10 - 12cm

Where in the world are they from?
Endemic to lake Ktubu and the River Soro in Papua New Guinea.

What is the ideal number to keep together?
Best kept in groups of 6-8 to avoid being overly skittish.

What water conditions do they require?
These fish will not thrive in soft water and require a pH of 7.0 - 9.0 with temperatures 0f 20 - 25 degrees celcius.

What should you feed them?
Will happily accept a wide range of foods.

How compatible are they with other fish?
Keep away from small or shy fish due to their skittish and fast swimming tendencies, otherwise very happy to be in a well planted community tank.

Can they be bred in captivity?
Whilst not tricky to breed the fry can be quite difficult to raise. Provide high oxygen levels and fine leaved plants for best results.