Duboulay's Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia duboulayi

Duboulay's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Rainbowfish. Minimum tank in the app: 40 US gal min; aim for 73–81°F and pH 6.8–8.2. Details below match the app.

Duboulay's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size40 US gal min
pH range6.8–8.2
Temperature73–81°F
Max size3.9 in (10.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5–10 years
SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Australia

  • Australia & Oceania

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Duboulay's Rainbowfish Tank Setup

Plan for at least 40 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 73–81°F and pH 6.8–8.2 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid-top zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Duboulay's Rainbowfishs Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Duboulay's Rainbowfish Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Peaceful. Hardy; tolerates slightly cooler water than many rainbows Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Duboulay's Rainbowfishs Good for Beginners?

Often a sensible first fish once the tank is cycled and you are willing to test water sometimes. Skip the impulse buy on the same day you set up the tank.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.