Lake Vanam Rainbow
Lake Vanam rainbowfish or Glossolepis bluish, scientific name Glossolepis wanamensis, belongs to the family Melanotaeniidae (Rainbows). The fish comes from the island of New Guinea. It is endemic to the small Lake Vanam, located 24 km from the coastal city of Lae (Eng. Lae) on the eastern tip of the island.
Contents
Habitat
The lake is located in a valley surrounded by hills. The maximum depth is not more than 20 meters. Water lilies and other aquatic vegetation grow in shallow water along the banks, among which flocks of bluish Glossolepis and Rainbow fasciata live.
In nature, it is on the verge of extinction, which is associated with the appearance of invasive species in the lake, such as Tilapia cichlids, carps, Gambusia. The first two fish were released into the lake for the purpose of fishing for consumption by local residents, and the Gambusia was supposed to be a means of combating mosquito larvae.
Description
Adult males grow to a length of about 9 cm. The color is greenish with a metallic sheen, the abdomen is yellow-orange. Narrow orange lines are visible below the lateral line. The anal fin is enlarged and reaches 3 cm.
Females are slightly smaller – about 8 cm. The color is less bright and monochromatic with a predominance of pale greenish hues.
Behavior and Compatibility
Peace-loving mobile fish, prefers to be in the company of relatives. It is recommended to purchase a group of 6-8 individuals. It gets along well with other species of comparable size and temperament. For example, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, small catfish such as Corydrases, as well as other Rainbows will become good neighbors in the aquarium.
Brief information:
- The volume of the aquarium – from 80 liters.
- Temperature – 25-30°C
- Value pH — 7.0–7.8
- Water hardness – medium to high (12-20 dGH)
- Substrate type – any
- Lighting – moderate
- Brackish water – no
- Water movement is weak
- The size of the fish is up to 9 cm.
- Meals – any
- Temperament – peaceful
- Keeping a flock of at least 6-8 individuals
Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium
The optimal size of an aquarium for a flock of 6-8 fish starts at 80 liters. In the design, it is recommended to combine areas with dense aquatic vegetation and open areas for swimming.
Water parameters should have alkaline pH values with medium to high hardness. Lake Vanam Rainbow is not suitable for soft water aquariums.
When choosing a filter, it is worth choosing the model that does not cause excessive flow.
Aquarium maintenance is standard and consists of such mandatory procedures as weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water, removal of organic waste and equipment maintenance.
Food
It is undemanding to the diet, it will accept most popular feeds in dry, freeze-dried, frozen and live form.
