I've Got A New Rainbowfish But Don't Know What It Is!?

[pcam86]

Hi, i bought a rainbowfish 2 days ago and i've no idea what type he is, He was sold as a Yellow Rainbowfish but right now he's pretty plain and looks greyish.

The problem i now have is that i bought him on his own as he was the only one in the tank with the other fish. I'm hoping to buy like 2 more as long as my tank isn't over stocked.... Right now he's suddenly taken a liking to my new Firemouth chiclid that i bought the day after. The chiclid keeps running aaway and hiding from him!

Are these fish supposed to be in big groups or are they ok in small numbers??

 

[The-Wolf]

hard to say without a pic
try this site for id and care etc
http/members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Contents.htm

 

[Mad Duff]

Its hard to say which rainbow you have without a picture but I would guess that it will belong to the Melanotaenia family, The fact that it has lost its coulour but health wise is fine would suggest to me that not happy on its own. In my experience rainbows are a confidence fish and are a lot happier with other rainbows. On their own rainbows can occasionally become aggressive towards fish they dont tend to do any damage they tend more to chase or follow other fish.

If you cant get a photo try doing a google search for:

Melanotaenia Boesemani
Melanotaenia Goldiei
Melanotaenia Herbertaxelrodi
Melanotaenia Parkinsoni

 

[Lateral Line]

All of the rainbows are gregarious fish and should be kept in groups of at least 4 fish.