🐟 Threadfin Rainbowfish Overview

• Scientific Name: Iriatherina werneri

• Common Names: Threadfin Rainbowfish, Featherfin Rainbowfish

• Origin: Northern Australia and New Guinea

• Habitat: Slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters like swamps, creeks, and lagoons

• Conservation Status: Least Concern (but habitat-sensitive)

📏 Size & Lifespan

• Size: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches) excluding fin extensions

• Lifespan: 3–5 years in captivity

🎨 Appearance

• Body: Slim, silver to gold coloration

• Males: Long, flowing thread-like dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins; colors include red, orange, and yellow accents

• Females: Smaller and less colorful, with shorter fins

• Juveniles: Less colorful; develop fin extensions with maturity

🧬 Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and shy

• Schooling: Should be kept in groups of 6 or more

• Behavior: Active swimmers; males display to impress females

• Tank Level: Mid to upper levels

🐠 Tank Requirements

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore

• Preferred Foods:

  • Crushed flake food

  • Micro pellets

  • Live/frozen food like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts

• Tip: Use slow-sinking or suspended food—tiny mouths can't compete with fast eaters

🐣 Breeding

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterers

• Breeding Conditions:

  • Heavily planted or spawning mops

  • Soft, acidic water preferred

  • Males display fin dances to attract females

• Egg Care: Adults may eat eggs—remove eggs or adults post-spawning

• Fry Care:

  • Hatch in 7–10 days

  • Feed infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp

🤝 Tankmates

• Good Tankmates:

  • Other small peaceful fish (rasboras, ember tetras, small corydoras, small rainbowfish)

  • Shrimp (if not aggressive)

• Avoid:

  • Fin nippers (like barbs)

  • Large, aggressive, or fast-feeding fish

  • Boisterous bottom dwellers

⚠️ Care Tips

• Keep in a group to reduce stress and aggression

• Sensitive to poor water quality—do regular water changes

• Avoid sudden changes in parameters

• Males may display aggression if kept without enough females

• Always use a lid to prevent jumping

✅ Quick Summary

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.