Threadfin rainbowfish facts for kids
The threadfin rainbowfish or featherfin rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri) is a beautiful type of rainbowfish. It is the only species in its group, called Iriatherina. These fish are known for their long, flowing fins, which make them one of the prettiest rainbowfish around.
You can find threadfin rainbowfish in freshwater swamps and slow-moving rivers. They like places with lots of plants in tropical northern Australia and New Guinea.
These fish grow to about 5 cm (2.0 in) long, not counting their long tails. It's easy to tell the difference between males and females. Males have bigger, fancier fins and brighter colors than females. When they have babies, the female fish scatter their eggs among underwater plants. The eggs usually hatch in 7 to 10 days.
Quick facts for kids Threadfin rainbowfish |
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About the Threadfin Rainbowfish
The threadfin rainbowfish was first described by a scientist named Herman Meinken in 1974. He studied fish collected in Merauke, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Meinken named the fish after Arthur Werner, a German aquarium fish trader who helped collect the fish.
The first part of its scientific name, Iri, comes from Irian Jaya. The second part, atherina, refers to a type of fish called a silverside. At first, scientists thought these fish were related. Later studies have shown that threadfin rainbowfish from different places, like northern Queensland and the Northern Territory in Australia, might actually be different species. It's also possible that the fish in New Guinea are a third unique species!
Keeping Threadfin Rainbowfish in Aquariums
Threadfin rainbowfish are usually peaceful fish, which makes them great for aquariums. They prefer to live in groups of six or more. Because their fins are so long and delicate, it's important to keep them with other peaceful fish that won't nip or bite their fins. They also breed best in tanks where they are the only type of fish.
How They Reproduce in Tanks
When a male threadfin rainbowfish wants to attract a female, he will show off. He swims in front of her, quickly raising and lowering his front dorsal fin. It's best to have about one male for every three females in a tank. This is because the dominant male fish likes to mate with several females.
Tank Setup and Feeding
Threadfin rainbowfish do well in aquariums that are at least 20 US gallons (76 L), but a 30 US gallons (110 L) tank is even better. It's often best to keep them in a "species-only" tank. This means the tank is just for threadfin rainbowfish and no other types of fish.
Because these fish have very tiny mouths, feeding them can be a bit tricky. They love live foods, like baby brine shrimp. They also do well with very small larval diets.
Water Conditions
These fish prefer water that is soft to medium-hard. The water should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They like warm water, with a temperature between 23–29 °C (73–84 °F).
See also
In Spanish: Pez arcoíris de aleta-hebra para niños
