Slender rainbowfish - Melanotaenia gracilis

Scientific name: Melanotaenia gracilis

Common name: Slender rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 10 cm (3.54 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 15°N (178.57 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 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: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Slender rainbowfish thrives on algae based flakes or pellets. Meaty foods should also be supplied in the form of blood worms or brine shrimp. Mysis and shrimp pellets will also be accepted.

Origin

Australia; Slender rainbowfish are to be found only on the northern tip of Western Australia.

Sexing

Very easy fish to sex; the male has red margins on the dorsal and anal fins.

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 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 gracilis is 5-8 years.

Short description

Melanotaenia gracilis are a relatively rare species in the aquarium hobby, especially outside of Australia. Hiding places and shelters are a must in the tank; floating plants will also put these fish at ease. The water should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Picture

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