Chilatherina sentaniensis (Weber 1907)

The lake is divided into three main sections with recorded depths of 7 to 52 metres. According to surveys in 1970-71, 1984 and 1987 the lake is thermally unstratified, with surface temperatures of 29–32° and
pH 6.2–6.8. Rainbowfishes are generally found around the margins of the lake. Large numbers are found congregating around submerged aquatic vegetation, fallen tree branches etc.

Chilatherina sentanensis is distinguished by deep, laterally compressed body that increases with age, particularly in males. Their overall body colouration is silvery-blue or greenish on the upper back fading laterally to silverly orange.

They have a diffuse blue or green mid-lateral band and narrow silver or light blue stripes between each
horizontal scale rows. Males often show 6–8 reddish-brown bars on the lower sides of the body between the pectoral fin base and the level of the middle anal rays.

However, colour can be variable depending on captive conditions. Males are more brightly coloured, larger, and deeper bodied than females. Males may reach a maximum size of 12 cm, but females are usually less than 10 cm.

Chilatherina sentanensis is an omnivore species. In its natural biotope it feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae, algae and detritus. As aquarium they will accept up to 70% flake or pellet food. Other 30% should be made up of a variety of live foods: bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Chilatherina sentanensis is an egg scatterer. Separate a well fed breeding pair and introduce them to the spawning tank. The breeding aquarium should have a pH 7.0 and a temperature 26 °C. This species lay their eggs on fine-leaved plants such as java moss. A small raise in temperature can induce spawning.

High quality diet of frozen and live foods: Artemia sp., Mysis sp., microworms.

Males will display more intensive colour that depends upon age, health, temperature, water quality, mood, and even rank in the school.

Usually the healthy pair will spawn for a period of several weeks, laying a few eggs each day. These are attached to java moss or spawning mop by a small thread.

For the growth of the young it is necessary to administer an infusoria–type food for the first few days, until they are large enough to shrimp nauplii, microworm and other micronized food.

Although the adults tend not to eat the spawn, it’s easier to raise the fry in a separate aquarium. It is recommended to checking the plants daily and remove the laid eggs to a raising tank with the water from the spawning tank.