Regal rainbowfish - Melanotaenia trifasciata

Scientific name: Melanotaenia trifasciata

Common name: Regal rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 11 cm (3.94 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

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

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 30 °C (75.2 - 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: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Regal rainbowfish are omnivores, feed them quality flakes or pellets, but also include some live foods such as blood worms, brine shrimp and white worms.

Origin

Streams and waterways across Australia.

Sexing

The males tend to be slightly larger with a more pronounced arched back

Breeding

The breeding tank should be set up with a sponge filter and add either fine leaved plants or a spawning mop. The male will display an intense coloration during spawning and guide the female to the spawning site. If a spawning mop has been used it should be moved to another tank, if not move the parents as they are prone to eat the eggs. The eggs will be laid over a number of days so keep a watchful eye on the tank. After a week the eggs should hatch and the fry can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan is 5-8 years.

Short description

Melanotaenia trifasciata do well with similar sized tank mates but may bully smaller fish. They are best kept in a species only tank as this species have been known to cross breed with other rainbow fish species.

Pictures

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