Black banded rainbowfish - Melanotaenia nigrans

Scientific name: Melanotaenia nigrans

Common name: Black banded rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 11 cm (3.54 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 13°N (71.43 - 232.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°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

Will accept all foods offered, use a quality flake for the staple diet but give them treats of brine shrimp and white worms to keep them in top condition.

Origin

Australia; Black banded rainbowfish is found in the eastern part of Australia where it inhabits the waterways and is sometimes found in the brackish estuaries.

Sexing

Males tend to be larger and more colourful than the females; the females will also lack the dark edging on the fins.

Breeding

Add a spawning medium to the tank, java moss or an artificial spawning mop is ideal, and then proceed to do some large regular water changes to trigger spawning. The female will lay up to 50 eggs per day; once spawning is complete move the eggs to another tank. Depending on the temperature, the eggs should hatch in one week and the fry, when free swimming, can be fed on Infusoria initially. As they grow, feed them on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Melanotaenia nigrans is 3-5 years.

Short description

Melanotaenia nigrans need to be kept in groups of at least 6 specimens. They do best in a planted tank, but provide open swimming areas for them.

Pictures

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