Melanotaenia
herbertaxelrodi, also known as Lake Tebera Rainbowfish. This beautiful
rainbow is native to Papua New Guinea. This fish was first collected in
September of 1980, and so it is a relative new-comer to the fish-keeping hobby.
The Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is undemanding, requiring only a roomy tank with
plenty of free swimming space. It can grow to become more than five inches
in length, and is said to prefer water temperatures of 71 to 77 degrees
Fahrenheit. I have kept mine in a tank that is usually a bit warmer than this,
approximately 79 degrees, with no ill effect. Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
eagerly eat all types of food offered to them. See this
article for
additional details on this an the fishes native habitat.