Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish

The Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia ajamaruensis) is an exceptionally colorful species that is native to West Papua New Guinea. It is a very active fish that lives in schools and looks great in a planted aquarium. This fish is one of the best examples of its name, displaying an incredible variety of colors, especially as it matures to adulthood. As with most larger rainbowfish, both males and females are very colorful, but mature males are deeper-bodied with the most intense coloration.

The Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish is peaceful with most other fish species, although its size and activitiy can be intimidating to particularly shy fish. It is likely to prey on dwarf shrimp, but it is generally safe to keep with peaceful invertebrates that are too large to be considered prey. The most intense coloration will be displayed when this fish is kept in schools of 6 or more, including multiple males, in a planted, spacious aquarium to ensure that subdominant males are not overly harassed by dominant males. As with many rainbowfish, darker substrate will also often result in better coloration.