Celebes rainbowfish
A small, transparent silverside from Sulawesi streams.
The Celebes rainbowfish is a tiny, translucent fish found only in the Maros region of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is prized in aquariums for its delicate appearance and peaceful nature, though wild populations face threats from pollution and collection.
- Only found near Maros in Sulawesi
- Body is almost fully transparent
- Males have long black fins
- Eggs may hatch after 11 days
- Sensitive to water quality
What it is
This species is a small sailfin silverside with a slender, nearly transparent body. A blue stripe runs along its side. Males reach up to 8 cm and display elongated black dorsal and ventral fins, making them darker and distinct from the smaller, plainer females. It is the sole member of its genus.
Where it lives
The fish is endemic to the area around the town of Maros in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its scientific genus name derives from this location. It inhabits local streams and estuaries where water ranges from fresh to mildly brackish. These habitats typically feature high levels of dissolved oxygen, which the species requires.
How it lives
In the wild, these fish spend much of their time concealed among plant leaves. They feed on small worms, insects, and vegetable matter found in their environment. In captivity, they are peaceful and accept prepared foods as well as small live options. They are sensitive to poor water quality and prefer temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Breeding and life cycle
Spawning can occur continuously for months if conditions are suitable. However, adults often consume their own eggs. When eggs survive, they hatch after a period of up to eleven days. Maintaining stable water parameters, including a pH of 7.0 to 7.5, supports successful breeding in aquarium settings.
Fish and people
Aquarists value this fish for its tranquil behaviour and unique transparent appearance. The ornamental fish trade has contributed to a dramatic reduction in wild numbers. Pollution in its limited native habitat further threatens the population. It is named after the German ichthyologist Werner Ladiges, who collected the original type specimen.
Status and threats
Wild populations have declined significantly due to collection for the aquarium trade and local pollution. The species is restricted to a very small geographic area near Maros, making it vulnerable to environmental changes. No specific conservation status is provided in the available data.
Questions people ask about Celebes rainbowfish
Where does the Celebes rainbowfish live?
It is endemic to the streams and estuaries near the town of Maros in Sulawesi, Indonesia. It requires water with high dissolved oxygen levels.
How big do they get?
Males grow to between 6 and 8 cm in length, while females are slightly smaller, reaching 5 to 7 cm. In aquariums, they typically reach about 7.5 cm.
Are they difficult to keep?
They are peaceful but sensitive to water quality. They prefer temperatures of 20–28 C, a pH of 7.0–7.5, and moderate hardness. Poor conditions can harm them quickly.
Good reading and sources
- Celebes rainbowfish on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Celebes rainbowfish", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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