Dwarf rainbowfish - Melanotaenia maccullochi

Scientific name: Melanotaenia maccullochi

Common name: Dwarf rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°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

The Dwarf Rainbowfish is omnivorous and will accept a variety of plant and animal matter. They prefer live foods such as brine shrimp and worms but also need a some greens to aide in digestion.

Sexing

The males are noticeably more colorful than the females. The males will also have more elaborate, flowing fins.

Breeding

Breeding the Dwarf Rainbowfish is fairly easy. Condition a pair on live foods and they will begin scattering their eggs into the ground covering. Remove the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs and fry. The eggs will take between 8-10 days to hatch and the fry can be fed infusoria until they are large enough to be fed newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Melanotaenia maccullochi live between 3-5 years.

Origin

Melanotaenia maccullochi can be found in Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Short Description

The Dwarf Rainbow Shark is a very social fish that should be kept in a school of 6 or more with more females than males. This fish can be added in a community with other peaceful fish such as tetras, corys and other rainbowfish.

Pictures

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