Chilatherina alleni – Rainbowfish | Colorfully shimmering schooling fish with a metallic sheen & lively swimming behavior

The Chilatherina alleni is an impressive rainbowfish from New Guinea, captivating with its intense metallic sheen and vibrant coloration. Adult males display a spectacular play of colors in silver, blue, and yellow-orange depending on light and mood – a highlight for any aquarium.

This species is peaceful, active, and enjoys swimming, making it ideal for planted community aquariums with sufficient space and light current. When kept in groups, the fish develop their full beauty and display lively, social behavior.

🌿 Characteristics & Care:
🐠 Fish Size: M/L (5–6 cm)
🌎 Origin: New Guinea
🌡️ Temperature: 24–28 °C
💧 pH Value: 6.8–7.8
⚖️ Total Hardness: up to 18 °dGH
🐟 Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish (from 6 individuals)
🌾 Aquarium: From 200 l, planted, with current & open swimming space

🍽️ Feeding:
Eats live, frozen, and high-quality dry food. A varied diet with color-enhancing food (e.g., spirulina, krill) promotes color intensity.

💡 Tip:
A brightly lit aquarium with a dark substrate particularly enhances the metallic sheen and color contrasts of the males.

👉 Conclusion:
The Chilatherina alleni is a colorful, peaceful schooling fish – perfect for larger, planted aquariums with lively swimming behavior.