Eastern rainbowfish - Melanotaenia splendida splendida

Scientific name: Melanotaenia splendida splendida

Common name: Eastern rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 15°N (107.14 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 30 °C (68 - 86°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

As Eastern rainbowfish are omnivores, they will accept all foods offered. Quality flake and small pellets should be used for their staple diet but they also need vegetable matter. This can be supplied by providing lettuce, peas etc. Supplement their diet with blood worms and brine shrimp.

Origin

Australia; Eastern rainbowfish are to be found in the north eastern parts of Australia.

Sexing

The males tend to be larger with deeper bodies.

Breeding

Spawning mops or plants should be added to the breeding tank. The parents will spawn easily if conditioned on meaty foods. Once they have spawned remove the parents and feed the fry on Infusoria or egg yolk initially. When they start to grow, they can be fed on crushed algal flake or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Melanotaenia splendida splendida is 5 years.

Short description

This species of rainbow fish is one of the hardiest; Melanotaenia splendida splendida are even classed as a fish for beginners. Always use a low current in the tank with plenty of plants but also provide open swimming spaces.

Picture

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