New Guinea rainbowfish - Melanotaenia affinis

Scientific name: Melanotaenia affinis

Common name: New Guinea rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 13 cm (3.94 - 5.12 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.1 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 3 - 16°N (53.57 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and feeding

Typical of most rainbow fish, they will readily accept all foods offered. Use a quality flake for the staple diet but vary this with treats of bloodworms and brine shrimp. They will also nibble at lettuce and spinach.

Origin

Oceania; New Guinea rainbowfish are native to Australia and New Guinea.

Sexing

Males will display a brighter colouration and have extended dorsal and anal fins.

Breeding

Add fine leaved plants or spawning mops to the tank to provide spawning sites. The eggs will be sticky so they will attach to the mops or plants and the female will lay a few over a period of days. When spawning is complete, remove the parents and the eggs should hatch within a week. When the fry are free swimming they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp and Infusoria.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Melanotaenia affinis is 5-8 years.

Short description

Melanotaenia affinis are classed as a shoaling species; they must be kept in small groups. Add them to a planted tank but provide plenty of open swimming space at the front. They can adapt to different water parameters but regular water changes must be performed.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.