Celebes Rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi) Care Guide

An elegant, slender rainbowfish from Sulawesi with a translucent body and distinctive yellow-tipped fins. Males have elongated second dorsal and anal fin rays.

Overview

Marosatherina ladigesi is a species in the family Telmatherinidae. An elegant, slender rainbowfish from Sulawesi with a translucent body and distinctive yellow-tipped fins. Males have elongated second dorsal and anal fin rays. Prefers slightly alkaline, hard water and moderate current.

Taxonomy

Family: Telmatherinidae
Genus: Marosatherina
Scientific name: Marosatherina ladigesi
Other names: Celebes Halfbeak
Origin: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sulawesi

Habitat

Endemic to the southern peninsula of Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia, where it inhabits clear coastal and lowland streams. Despite the common name, it belongs to the family Telmatherinidae (sail-fin silversides), not to the true rainbowfishes (Melanotaeniidae).

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 7-8
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 5-8 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Cherry Barb, Neon Tetra, Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Betta, Large Cichlids

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate