At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia: males 6-8 cm, females 5-7 cm; FishBase and Seriously Fish: 8 cm SL maximum
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, slender, translucent silverside
A slim, almost see-through fish with a shining blue line along its side. Males are darker and grow long, sail-like extensions on the second dorsal and anal fins, which are black.23
Personality what they are like
A very peaceful fish that can be skittish, so it feels most confident in a group and among plants.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active midwater swimmer; leave open lanes between planted areas where males can display to each other.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Prefers hard, alkaline water and does not thrive in acidic conditions. A varied diet and planted setting bring out its best colour. Salt is not needed.3
Home where they are happiest
Minimum tank base about 76 x 30 cm (around 68 litres). Temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7.0-8.0, hardness 10-25 dGH. Heavy planting with some floating plants to soften the light, and gentle flow.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. In the wild it eats small worms, insects and plant debris; in the aquarium it takes dried, frozen and live foods.23
Company who they like around
Keep at least 6-8, with two or three females per male.3
The story where it all began
Ahl described it in 1936 and named it after the German ichthyologist Werner Ladiges. For many years it was placed in Telmatherina before being moved to its own genus, Marosatherina, named after the town of Maros. Today it is farmed for the aquarium trade in Asia and Eastern Europe.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Vulnerable (assessed July 2019)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Telmatherinidae; the only species in the genus Marosatherina, formerly Telmatherina ladigesi; described by Ahl in 19362
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Celebes Rainbowfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Celebes Rainbowfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet.32 Furry Diary plan
What does a Celebes Rainbowfish eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat dried, frozen, and live foods like small worms and insects. Avoid acidic water conditions, but no specific foods are forbidden, just offer a balanced diet.32
How much space does a Celebes Rainbowfish need?
A minimum tank base of about 76 x 30 cm (around 68 litres) is recommended. They are active midwater swimmers and need open swimming lanes.31
What temperature, light or water does a Celebes Rainbowfish need?
Keep water temperature between 22-28°C, pH 7.0-8.0, and hardness 10-25 dGH. They prefer hard, alkaline water and gentle flow, with heavy planting and some floating plants to soften light.31
How often should I clean a Celebes Rainbowfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinsing in old tank water. Test water weekly to ensure good quality. Furry Diary plan
Can a Celebes Rainbowfish live with others?
Yes, they are very peaceful and do best in groups of 6-8, with two or three females per male. They feel confident among plants and with gentle tankmates.3
How long does a Celebes Rainbowfish live?
Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific details. With proper care, they can live several years.
Can I handle a Celebes Rainbowfish?
No, handling is stressful and harmful to their delicate scales and slime coat. Enjoy watching them swim actively in their planted tank.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Marosatherina ladigesi, Celebes rainbowfish fishbase.seused for author and year, distribution, max length, water ranges, IUCN status, etymology
- Wikipedia: Celebes rainbowfish en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, taxonomy, description, size, diet, breeding facts
- Seriously Fish: Marosatherina ladigesi (Celebes Rainbowfish) seriouslyfish.comused for habitat, tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, group size, dimorphism, taxonomy, farming
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.