Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance: A striking freshwater rainbowfish species belonging to Chilatherina sentaniensis, known for its shimmering silver-blue body with subtle green, yellow, and pink iridescence depending on lighting and mood. Males typically develop more intense coloration and longer, more flowing fins than females.
Graceful Swimmer: An active, fast-moving schooling fish that constantly explores the mid-to-upper levels of the aquarium. In groups, they display synchronized swimming and flashes of metallic coloration that shift beautifully with movement.
Behavior: Peaceful, energetic, and highly social. Best kept in groups where natural schooling behavior and male display interactions can be observed.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions:
Requires a spacious, well-oxygenated aquarium with open swimming areas and some planted sections for cover. Ideal temperature is 74–82°F (23–28°C). Prefers slightly hard to moderately hard water with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Clean, stable water is essential for maintaining health and coloration.

Diet:
Omnivorous. Accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and a variety of frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A protein-rich and varied diet enhances coloration and supports active schooling behavior.

Compatibility:
Very peaceful and suitable for community tanks with other active, non-aggressive species. Best kept in schools of at least 6–8 individuals. Compatible tank mates include tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, and bottom dwellers like Corydoras.

Size and Growth:

Adult Size:
At the provided size of 4–5 cm, this fish is still juvenile. Adult Chilatherina sentaniensis typically reach 10–12 cm in length.

Growth:
Grows steadily under stable, well-oxygenated conditions with a high-quality diet. Males develop more intense coloration and fin extension as they mature, with schooling behavior becoming more coordinated and visually striking over time.