Australian
Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
SYN: Aristeusfluviatilis,
Melanotaenia splendida fluviatilis, Nematocentris fluviatilis
PD: An elongated species have
lateral compression. This species lacks the tall body heightcharacteristic
of its genus. The head is small while the eye is large. There are
two dorsal fins and the caudalfin is slightly
forked. The anal fin has a long base and is pointed at the end. The
back is yellow-brown while the flanksare silver-brown
with a silver to green iridescence. A broad blue band runs from the snout
to the caudal fin. Thismay often be fain in some
places. The rear half of the body is marked with several orange-red
lateral stripes. Thefins, except for the caudal
fin, are yellowish with orange-red markings and a dark edge. The caudal
fin does not have a darkborder. The rear part of
the iris of the eye is orange-red as is a marking on the gill cover. Femalesare less colorful, lacking the orange-red stripes.
SIZE: To 4" (10 cm
SS: Melanotaeniamaccullochi,
M. nigrans, M. splendida
HAB: Australia;
New South Wales and Queensland
S: middle
TANK: A tank measuring 32"
(81 cm) with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L) is suggested. Thetank should be well planted along the back and edges and
have open swimming areas. A fine gravel substrate is preferredand
the lighting can be bright. Use good aeration.
WATER: pH 7-8 (7.2), 5-12 dH (8), 72-79°F (22-26°C
SB: A peaceful, schooling fish
recommended for a community tank. Should be kept in
groups.
SC: Other Rainbowfish,
livebearers, tetras that can tolerate harder, more alkaline water.
FOOD: Live; insect larvae,
crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are more colorful
B: Use a well-planted, roomy
tank with a temperature from 75-81°F (24-27°C). Pairingis
preceded by vigorous chasing. Spawning usually takes place at dawn and
continues for several days. The first day results in 100-200 eggs,with decreasing numbers each day. The
dark eggs are attached to plants by fine threads. These hatch after 7-8
days. Theparents may eat the eggs, especially
if not fed adequately. The young can first be fed paramecia and laterArtemia nauplii. The
fry grow slowly until reaching 0.4" (1 cm), when growth rate increases.
BP: 6. Breeding is
moderately easy.
R: The the
validity of this species is in question; some feel that it is a sub-speciesor a cross.
DC: 4. A
hardy fish suggested for a community tank. Preform
frequent partial water changes.
