Threadfin AKA Featherfin Rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri) – Tank-Bred!

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The Threadfin Rainbowfish (Iriatherina weneri) is an excellent inhabitant for any community or planted aquarium.  Also known as the Featherfin Rainbowfish, it is native to the densely planted rivers and streams of New Guinea and Australia.  This particular rainbowfish is known for the very long, ornate rear fin extensions that mature adults (especially males) possess.

 

The Threadfin Rainbowfish has variable gray-green, yellow, red, and blue body coloration with bright colors that extend to its fins.  While these colors are more faint in juveniles, they intensify as the fish reaches adulthood as long as a varied diet of high-quality omnivorous foods are provided.  The best coloration can be achieved in schools of 6 or more with multiple males as well as females.  Omnivorous flake foods as well as live, freeze-dried, and frozen foods will make an excellent staple diet.  Aquarium plants will not be bothered.

 

As with many fish that inhabit the middle and upper areas of the aquarium, the Threadfin Rainbowfish is prone to jumping occasionally.  A hood/canopy or lower water level is recommended to ensure that this fish does not jump out of the aquarium.  The only other housing requirements for this fish are clean, stable water conditions and ample areas of cover, particularly vegetation.  Floating plants such as duckweed and hornwort are very beneficial to this strictly schooling fish and will also discourage jumping.  Unlike most rainbowfish, the threadfin rainbowfish commonly inhabits slow-moving waters such as swamps, so it should be kept in an aquarium with less turbulence.

 

The entire family of rainbowfish is popular in freshwater aquaria due to the generally peaceful disposition, hardiness, and beautiful coloration of its members.  While many popular rainbowfish species eventually become too large to be kept with dwarf shrimp and some other nano species, the Forktail Rainbowfish is one of a few exceptions.  Fully-grown Threadfin Rainbowfish are typically safe to keep even with adult dwarf shrimp and virtually all non-aggressive invertebrates that we offer.