Woodthorpe Hall Aquatics Blue Rainbow (Melanotaenia Lacustris)

The Blue Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris) is a vibrant and sought-after species in the aquarium community, known for its striking colours and dynamic behaviour.

While juveniles may appear less colourful, they reveal their full splendour as adults in a well-maintained planted tank. Although peaceful, their swift movements can disturb slower or smaller fish. They are naturally timid and best kept in groups of 6 to 8 or more, which helps males display their vivid colours more prominently. A spacious aquarium is essential for housing a school of these active fish.

Compatibility

A variety of tankmates are suitable for Blue Rainbowfish, including other Rainbowfish of similar size, Barbs, Danios, Corydoras Catfish, Gobies, and certain Rift Lake Cichlids with matching water needs. These lively fish require a careful selection of companions to avoid aggressive interactions. For the well-being of Blue Rainbowfish, a spacious aquarium, at least 4 feet long, is crucial to accommodate their active lifestyle and need for swimming space. Mimicking their natural habitat involves setting up a densely planted aquarium with dark sand, bogwood, smooth rocks, and room for swimming. They thrive in hard, alkaline water that is well-filtered with minimal current. It's also important to select plant species that can thrive under these specific water conditions.

Diet

The Blue Rainbowfish adapts well to a variety of foods, but for optimal health and colouration, a balanced diet is essential. Incorporate high-quality dried foods like pellets or flakes along with frozen and live options such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex. Regular feedings, 2 to 3 times daily, of this nutritious mix, will enhance their vibrant colours and overall condition. Ensure portions are small enough for consumption within 5 minutes to avoid overfeeding and associated health problems.

Origin and Environment

The Blue Rainbowfish, native to Lake Kutubu in the Kikori River Basin of Oceania, flourishes among submerged logs, roots, and lush aquatic plants, feeding on algae, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. However, every two years, the lake experiences a significant event where a murky upsurge from its depths drastically reduces oxygen levels, devastating the Rainbowfish population. This alarming phenomenon has led to the classification of the Blue Rainbowfish as endangered. Protecting this species is critical to preserving its unique beauty and ensuring its continued existence for future generations.

Payment Methods

We accept all major Credit and Debit cards, and these are processed via a third party payment gateway called Opayo. 

We also accept payments via PayPal, PayPal credit, Clearpay and Klarna which are both pay in 4 interest-free instalments. 

Also, you can pay using Android and Apple Pay if you are using a compatible device. 

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Security

When speaking to one of our team, we will never ask you for your bank details, passwords or any private information. We will only ever ask for your order number followed by either your postcode, email address or phone number to verify we are talking to the person named on the account. 

When creating an account on our website, we ask that you use a unique password, this will help keep all your online accounts safe. If you are visiting our website via a smartphone we suggest you use the strong password and store it securely on your phone. 

Our website is run on Visual Soft, which means all your data is stored securely on their servers. 

Next Day Shipping cut off is at Noon/12:00pm

Orders after that time will be processed the next working day

Please Note: Certain ponds, aquariums, all pond plants, and all livestock are excluded from free delivery.

The blue highlighted area on the map below is where we deliver on our own vehicle. Unfortunately, if you are not in one of these postcode zones we are unable to deliver certain items such as plants, small glass items and selective other products.

We offer a few different delivery options depending on the size and value of your order.

Certain orders over £50 qualify for free mainland UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Pond Plants, and livestock) delivery which will arrive within 3-5 working days of the order being processed.

Orders Below £50 in Mainland UK will be charged a standard delivery fee of £5.99.

Pond Plant and Tropical/Marine/Pond Livestock will be charged a delivery fee of £19.99.

Additional Shipping Charges

For any orders that do not include Aquariums, the below is charged:

Next Working Day Parcel Delivery to Mainland UK - £7.99 OR £2.99 if the order is over £50 (excludes Northern Ireland)

Standard Parcel Delivery to Northern Ireland £8.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Scottish Highlands & Islands £9.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Jersey & Guernsey £12.99

For all Aquarium, Medium - Extra Large Terrarium/Vivarium/Paludarium deliveries (Excluding biOrbs & Smaller Aquariums), the below is charged:

You must be present for delivery and please check your item before signing for delivery.

A payment link will be sent to you if redelivery is required.

Next Working Day Pallet Delivery - £20

2 Hour Booking Slot Pallet Delivery - £20

Pallet Delivery to Northern Ireland - £45

Saturday and OptiClear 90 & 120 Delivery - £60

Pallet Delivery to Isle of Wight (PO30 and Above) and Scottish Highlands (AB, PH, IV1-36, IV, KW1-14, KY, PA21-41) - £45

Pallet Delivery to the Scottish Isles (KA27-28, PA60-90, ZE, JE, GY, IM, IV40-56, KW15-17, PH42-44, PA20, PA42-49) - £120

Pallet Delivery to Outer Hebrides (HS) - £140

Pond's over 1000 litres will be a curb side pallet delivery.

Aquariums over 125 litre will be a curb side pallet delivery.

The couriers we use are Royal Mail, DX, APC, and UPN.

Standard Delivery

Northern Ireland Standard Delivery

Next Day Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Livestock Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Plant Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Standard Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Next Day Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Northern Ireland Curb Side Pallet Delivery