What size tank do lake Kutubu rainbowfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 55 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Melanotaenia lacustris.
How many lake Kutubu rainbowfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if lake Kutubu rainbowfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many lake Kutubu rainbowfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | 6 |
| 75 gallon | up to 9 |
| 125 gallon | up to 15 |
Check lake Kutubu rainbowfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, lake Kutubu rainbowfish hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for lake Kutubu rainbowfish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rubber lip pleco
- Hoplo catfish
- Pearl danio
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Bloodfin tetra
- Bandit corydoras
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Lake Kutubu rainbowfish likes 68–77 °F (20–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as lake Kutubu rainbowfish.
- Cherry shrimp: Lake Kutubu rainbowfish (about 5 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank do lake Kutubu rainbowfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 55 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many lake Kutubu rainbowfish should be kept together?
At least 6. Lake Kutubu rainbowfish are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can lake Kutubu rainbowfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Lake Kutubu rainbowfish needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do lake Kutubu rainbowfish need?
68–77 °F (20–25 °C), with a pH of 7–9. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can lake Kutubu rainbowfish live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Lake Kutubu rainbowfish likes 68–77 °F (20–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.