LAKE KUTUBU RAINBOW (Melanotaenia lacustris)

The Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish Melanotaenia lacustris is a beautiful fish with an endearing personality. They are one of the larger rainbow fish, reaching almost 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length. They have constantly changing but always beautiful colors. Pairing these vibrant colors with an endearing personality makes the Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish one of the most amazing freshwater fish in the hobby.

With pristine water the Turquoise Rainbowfish are very easily kept in your community tank and adds a ton of color and excitement. These fish are active and outgoing and will definitely liven up the aquarium. They are also rugged and will adapt to many tank setups. Don't be turned off when you see these fish in pet shops, as they are usually drab and gray. Once in the right stress free environment these fish will come to life and their colors jump right out at you.

This precious and rare species is in a very precarious position. This gem lives exclusively in Lake Kutubu. Wild populations are being decimated by over harvesting and environmental destruction. Domestically, this unfortunate fish is being bred recklessly with other species, muddling the bloodlines of species which have taken nature thousands of years of selective breeding to develop their beautiful colors. The World Wildlife Fund and other conservation groups have stepped in to make sure Lake Kutubu and its inhabitants are preserved.

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/Rainbowfish/LakeKutubuRainbowfish.php