Blue Lacustris

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: The Blue Lacustris Rainbowfish has a striking blue to turquoise body, which can appear metallic under proper lighting. Males often display brighter, more intense colors, especially during breeding or when showing dominance.
• Size: They typically grow to about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, these fish can live for 5-8 years.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Blue Lacustris Rainbowfish are native to the Lake Kutubu region in Papua New Guinea. They inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and lakes.
• Tank Environment: In captivity, they thrive in well-aerated, spacious aquariums with plenty of open swimming areas and some densely planted regions for cover.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Peaceful Schooling Fish: Blue Lacustris are peaceful and do best in groups of at least 6 or more. They are active swimmers and enjoy moving around the mid-to-upper levels of the tank.
• Social Behavior: These fish are highly social and will display more vibrant colors and better behavior when kept in groups. Males can show off vivid colors during displays of courtship or minor territorial skirmishes with other males.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 40 gallons is recommended for a small school. Larger tanks are better for bigger groups.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: They thrive in temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH: A neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 7.0-8.0 is ideal.
  • Water Hardness: They prefer moderately hard water, with a GH of 8-12.

• Filtration and Aeration: Use a strong filtration system to maintain excellent water quality, as these fish prefer clean, well-oxygenated water. They are sensitive to poor water conditions.

• Aquascaping: Provide open swimming spaces along with some planted areas. They enjoy both open water and hiding spots among plants like Java fern, Vallisneria, and Anubias.

5. Diet

• Omnivorous: Blue Lacustris Rainbowfish are omnivorous and require a varied diet for optimal health.

• Diet Options:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food designed for tropical fish
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
  • Vegetable matter such as algae wafers or blanched spinach

• Diet Variation: A varied diet ensures that they maintain their brilliant colors and stay healthy.

6. Breeding

• Egg-Laying Species: Breeding Blue Lacustris Rainbowfish is relatively straightforward. They are egg scatterers, meaning females will lay eggs on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
• Mating Behavior: Males become more colorful during breeding and will display for females, often chasing them before spawning.
• Hatching: Eggs hatch in about 7-10 days, and the fry will need to be fed with infusoria or commercially available fry foods until they are large enough to eat larger foods like microworms or crushed flakes.

7. Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Blue Lacustris Rainbowfish are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful freshwater fish. Good tank mates include:

  • Other species of Rainbowfish
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Small loaches

• Avoid Aggressive Fish: Larger or aggressive fish species should be avoided, as they may stress the Blue Lacustris or outcompete them for food.

8. Fun Facts

• Color Changing: Their colors can intensify or change slightly based on their mood, tank conditions, and during breeding displays.
• Long Fins: Males tend to have more elongated dorsal and anal fins compared to females.
• Endangered in the Wild: Due to habitat loss and pollution, the Blue Lacustris population is threatened in its natural environment, making captive breeding programs important.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Visual Appeal: Their bright blue color and active schooling behavior make them a standout species in community tanks.
• Hardy and Beginner-Friendly: Despite their exotic appearance, Blue Lacustris Rainbowfish are relatively hardy and suitable for beginners, provided that their water quality is well-maintained.

Key Care Tips:

• Stable Water Conditions: Maintaining stable and clean water is crucial to their health.
• Group Size: Keep them in schools of 6 or more to encourage natural behaviors and color displays.
• Balanced Diet: A varied diet with both plant and protein-based foods will help them maintain their vibrant coloration.