Celebes Rainbow (Marosatherina ladigesi) 2-2.5cm

Celebes Rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi) is a striking and delicate freshwater species native to Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) in Indonesia. 

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Appearance & Behavior

• Size: Males grow up to 8 cm (3.2 inches), females slightly smaller
• Coloration: Slender, semi-transparent body with a neon blue-green stripe. Males have elongated black dorsal and ventral fins and are more colorful 
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy, especially when newly introduced to a tank. They thrive in groups of 6–8 and display better coloration when kept in shoals 

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Habitat & Tank Setup

• Natural Habitat: Clear, slow-moving streams and estuarine areas in Sulawesi 
• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons; ideally 50–60 gallons for a group
• Water Conditions:
  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
  • pH: 7.0–8.0
  • Hardness: 10–25 dGH
  • Mild brackish tolerance (can handle a small amount of salt) 
• Tank Features: Heavily planted with floating plants to dim lighting, open swimming areas, and a fitted lid (they’re excellent jumpers) 

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Diet

• Type: Omnivorous
• Food: Flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms. Feed small portions 4–5 times daily due to their small throats 

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Breeding

• Method: Egg scatterers
• Setup: Separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Slightly salty, neutral pH water, and a small temperature drop can trigger spawning 
• Egg Care: Eggs hatch in 5–14 days. Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry feed on yolk sacs initially, then infusoria and baby brine shrimp 

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Care Tips

• Sensitivity: Very sensitive to water quality and rapid changes. Weekly partial water changes and good filtration are essential 

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