Celebes Rainbow
Celebes Rainbow (Marosatherina ladigesi, also known as Telmatherina ladigesi) is a unique and elegant fish from the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The slender, translucent gold body is accented by vivid yellow and black fin markings and the fish swims with a distinctive upward tilt. Males develop elongated dorsal fin rays that add to the fish's graceful silhouette. It is not closely related to the Melanotaenia or Pseudomugil rainbowfish — it belongs to its own Sulawesi endemic family.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Baby makes an excellent daily staple — crush lightly before feeding. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp to enhance the golden body color and vivid fin markings. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. This species prefers surface to mid-water feeding.
Native to the Maros River and surrounding freshwater systems in southwestern Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Celebes Rainbow inhabits clear, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated streams and rivers — quite different from the slow, vegetated habitats of most Pseudomugil. Good water movement and higher oxygen levels benefit this species more than most rainbowfish.
Keep in groups of at least eight with mixed sexes. Males display their elongated dorsal rays in competition for females. Completely peaceful with other small to medium, non-aggressive species. Its Sulawesi origin and unusual family classification make it a genuinely distinctive addition to a rainbow-themed aquarium.
A planted aquarium with good water movement from a filter, clean water, and open swimming space suits this species well. The golden body and black-and-yellow fin pattern are most vivid in clear, well-lit water with moderate flow.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — Community |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — mixed sexes for best male display |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–18 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–10 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Maros River and surrounding drainages, Sulawesi, Indonesia |
| Notes | Not a true rainbowfish — belongs to Sulawesi-endemic family Telmatherinidae. Also classified as Telmatherina ladigesi in some literature. Appreciates good water movement more than most rainbowfish. Translucent golden body with vivid fin markings. |
