Cookies seem to be disabled in your browser, therefore this website will NOT work properly! Please, consider enabling Cookies in order to maximise your user experience while browsing.
Recent discussions at Aqua-Fish+
  1. ja at Aquarium Water Chemistry: Essential Guide to pH, Ammonia, Nitrites & More on
  2. ja at Comprehensive Care Guide for Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) – Habitat, Breeding & Tank Setup on …display more of the recent discussions
  3. ja at Caring for Rainbow Sharks: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Maintenance Guide on
  4. ja at Comprehensive Guide to Clown Loach Care: Habitat, Diet, Behavior & Health on
  5. ja at Comprehensive Guide to White Cloud Mountain Minnow Care: Habitat, Diet, and Breeding on
  6. ja at A Comprehensive Guide to Aquarium Air Stones: Usage, Suppliers, and Product Images on
  7. ja at Comprehensive Guide to Caring for and Breeding Electric Blue Haps on
  8. ja at Complete Guide to Growing and Propagating Hygrophila Corymbosa in Aquariums on
  9. PondSealer at Maintainging a garden fish pond tasks on
  10. TheFishWorks at A guide on growing aquarium plants with FAQ, forum and species on
Western rainbow - Melanotaenia splendida australis

Western rainbow - Melanotaenia splendida australis

Scientific name: Melanotaenia splendida australis

Common name: Western rainbow

Family: Melanotaeniidae

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

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 12°N (89.29 - 214.29ppm)

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

Overview

The Western Rainbow (Melanotaenia splendida australis) is a peaceful and active freshwater fish native to northwestern Australia. Known for its shimmering scales and social nature, it thrives in well-maintained aquariums with open swimming space and a varied diet.

Origin and Natural Habitat

Western Rainbowfish are commonly found in northwestern Australia, where they inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains. Their natural environment features clear, well-oxygenated water with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Appearance and Size

These fish grow to an adult size of approximately 9 - 10 cm (3.54 - 3.94 inches). Males typically display more vibrant colors, while females tend to have a deeper body shape.

Tank Requirements

  • Tank Size: A minimum of 80 liters (~20 gallons) is recommended for a small group.
  • Water Parameters:
  • Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas. A secure lid is necessary, as these fish are excellent jumpers.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Western Rainbowfish are peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They make excellent tank mates for other peaceful community fish, including:

Avoid housing them with large, aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them for food.

Feeding and Diet

Western Rainbowfish are omnivores and require a balanced diet:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food as a staple diet
  • Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
  • Vegetable matter, including blanched lettuce or spirulina-based foods

Including plant-based foods in their diet helps maintain their vibrant coloration and digestive health.

Sexing

Males tend to be slimmer and exhibit more intense coloration, whereas females have deeper bodies and subdued colors.

Breeding

Breeding Western Rainbowfish can be rewarding with the right setup:

  • Provide spawning mops or fine-leaved plants for egg-laying.
  • Once spawning occurs, transfer the eggs to a separate tank to prevent predation.
  • The eggs hatch in about two weeks, and the fry are very small.
  • Feed newly hatched fry with Infusoria or vinegar eels until they are large enough for crushed flake food.

Lifespan

With proper care, Western Rainbowfish can live up to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Health and Maintenance

Although hardy, these fish are sensitive to high nitrate levels. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential for their health. Ensure stable water parameters to prevent stress and disease.

Conclusion

The Western Rainbow (Melanotaenia splendida australis) is a stunning and active fish that adds movement and color to community aquariums. Their peaceful nature, hardiness, and ease of care make them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Picture

Thanks to Sayer for his picture!

Western rainbow

Did you know?

Please, verify whether your login and password are valid. If you don't have an account here, register one free of charge, please. Click here to close this box.

You have been logged out successfully! This box will close automatically!

Something went wrong during processing your message, please try again!

Your message has been sent, thanks a lot!

Page has been saved, refresh it now, please!

The page has been created, you will now be redirected!

URL already exists!

Path to the photo is not unique!

Really delete this page from the database?

The page has been removed successfully, you will be redirected now!

The page couldn't be deleted!!

Unfortunately this page doesn't allow discussion. Please, find any other page that fits your area of interest as over 99% of our pages allow discussion. The reason why no discussion is allowed here is this page is too general. Thanks a lot for understanding! Click here to search, please!

Really delete this comment from the site?

Really delete this image from the site?

Really delete this image from the site?

Selected comment has been removed successfully!

Selected image has been removed successfully!

Either login or email address is required

Account has been recovered, please check your email for further instructions