Fish
Celebes Rainbowfish
Marosatherina ladigesi · also called celebes rainbow
Long, flowing fins trail behind a celebes rainbowfish as it schools with others of its kind, a distinctively finned small fish found naturally only on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and different enough from other rainbowfish to warrant its own genus.
Overview
The celebes rainbowfish, Marosatherina ladigesi, is a Least Concern fish native to a limited area of freshwater habitat on Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its unusually elongated, flag-like fins, pale body with dark fin trim, and status as the sole member of its own genus make it one of the more visually and taxonomically distinctive rainbowfish kept in aquariums.
A rainbowfish apart
While most popular rainbowfish species belong to the large genus Melanotaenia, the celebes rainbowfish stands apart both physically, with its unusually long fins, and taxonomically, occupying a genus entirely its own.
Status
Least Concern, present across suitable freshwater habitat within its limited range on Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Celebes Rainbowfish: common questions
Why is the celebes rainbowfish placed in its own genus?
It differs enough in physical characteristics from other rainbowfish species to warrant its own genus, Marosatherina, setting it apart from the larger Melanotaenia group that includes many other popular rainbowfish.
What makes the celebes rainbowfish's fins unusual?
It has unusually long, flowing dorsal and anal fins for such a small fish, giving it a distinctive, flag-like silhouette compared to other rainbowfish species.
Where is the celebes rainbowfish found?
It is native to a limited area of freshwater habitat on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Should celebes rainbowfish be kept alone or in groups?
In groups; it is a schooling fish that shows more natural behaviour when kept with others of its own kind rather than alone.