MELANOTAENIINAE SUB-FAMILY
The Melanotaeniinae or Rainbowfish family includes the genera
Glossolepis
and
Melanotaenia.
Rainbowfish inhabit fresh and brackishwater habitats in Australia, New Guinea, and Irian Jaya (Indonesia). See species descriptions for specificinstructions.
Salmon-red Rainbowfish, New Guinea Red Rainbowfish, Irian Jaya Rainbow
[
Pictures
]
Glossolepis incisus
SYN
: None
PD
: An elongated, laterally compressed fish that develops an arched back with age. Thereare two dorsal fins, the second is longer than the first. The anal fin runs from the mid-belly to the caudalpenuncle. The caudal fin is forked. The head is small as is the mouth. Males are bright red to copper in color,occasionally have silver upperparts. The fins are also red. Females are silver to yellow-brown incolor.
SIZE
: To 6" (15 cm)
SS
: None
HAB
: Inhabits areas of dense vegetation near Lake Sentani, Irian Jaya (Indonesia).
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a volume from 35-45 gallons (132-170 L) is sufficientfor smaller fish. Full grown fish require a tank measuring at least 40" (101 cm). The tank should be well-planted withopen swimming areas.
WATER
: 6.8-8 (7.2), 12-25 dH (16), 72-77°F (22-25°C)
SB
: An active, schooling fish suggested for a community tank. Keep in groups of at least five fish,single fish do poorly. Combine with peaceful, small to large companions.
SC
: Other rainbowfish,
Corydoras,
Danios, Barbs, Loricarids.
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are high-backed with age and red in color.
B
: Furnish the tank with Java Moss and fine-leaved plants. Place only the pair in the tank andraise the temperature to 75-81°F (24-27°C). A small number of eggs is laid daily for several months. Theclear eggs adhere to plants with thin threads. These hatch after seven to eight days and are ignored by the parents. Theyoung first feed on roftiers, but later can be given egg yolk and
Artemia
nauplii. The young require small, frequent waterchanges.
BP
: 6. Breeding is not especially difficult, although the young may be troublesome to rear.
R
: Only the dominant male in a tank will develop the characteristic bright red coloration. Frequentpartial water changes will intensify colors.
DC
: 5. A somewhat sensitive species that can develop beautiful colors under favorable conditions.
Emerald Rainbowfish, Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
[
Pictures
]
Glossolepis wanamensis
SYN
: None
PD
: This species has the "typical" rainbowfish body shape with compressed flanks and anarched back. There are two dorsal fins, the second being much larger than the first. The caudal fin is forked and the analfin is large and elongated. The back is dark emerald green to forest green and the upper flanks are green. Thelower flanks are yellow-green, and the whole body has a emerald iridescence. The rear parts have blue hues and thefins are green and blue with a violet fringe.
SIZE
: Males reach 4" (10 cm), females reach 3.2" (8 cm)
SS
:
G.multisquamatus
HAB
: Endemic to Lake Wanam, Papua New Guinea (New Guinea)
S: middle, top
TANK
: A 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallon (132-170 L) tank is sufficient, although larger tanksare suggested. Follow suggestions for
G. incisus
.
WATER
: pH 7.3-8 (7.8), 10-18 dH (12), 77-86°F (25-30°C)
SB
: An active, schooling species that can be combined with other peaceful fish that tolerateslightly alkaline water. Keep in groups of four or more.
SC
:
Chilatherina,Glossolepis, Melanotaenia, Corydoras, Synodontis, Aulonocara, Neolamprologus
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are larger with more elaborate finnage.
B
: As for
G.incisus
except use water temperature between 81-86°F (27-30°C).
BP
: 7. Breeding is moderately difficult.
R
: This species requires frequent partial water changes and clean water to develop itselegant colors.
DC
: 6. This species is somewhat sensitive to water conditions.
Boeseman's Rainbowfish, Bicolor Rainbow, Boesemani
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia boesemani
SYN
: None
PD
: An elongated species with lateral compression. The rear edge of the caudal fin is concaveand there are two dorsal fins. Fish begin to develop their colors at 2.4" (6 cm) which intensifies with age. Thefront half of the body of the male is bluish with three transverse blue stripes. A lateral, blue stripe runs from themouth, through the eye, before fading near the caudal penuncle. The rear half of the body is orange-yellow. Femalesare less colorful. The first dorsal is blue-green while the second is yellow-orange with a blue and whiteborder. The caudal fin is yellow-orange as is the anal fin which may have a violet border.
SIZE
: Males to 4.3" (11 cm), females to 3.2" (8 cm)
SS
: None
HAB
: Inhabits shallow regions of dense vegetation in the Ajamaru Lakes in Irian Jaya (Indonesia).
S:middle, top
TANK
: A 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallon (132-170 L) tank is sufficient. Use dense plating along the sides andback of the tank, and leave an open swimming area in the center.
WATER
: pH 7-9 (7.2), 6-20 dH (8), 77-86°F (25-30°C)
SB
: An active, schooling species suitable for a community tank.
SC
: Barbs, tetras, danios, Gouramis, other Rainbows, Livebearers
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are larger, higher backed, and more colorful with age.
B
: Similar to
Glossolepis.
The young are very small and grow slowly. Start feeding with infusoria for thefirst week, followed by fine-grade dry food. After two weeks feed
Artemia
nauplii.
BP
: 7. Breeding is moderately difficult due to the problematic feeding of the fry.
R
: Boeseman's Rainbowfish was first introduced into the hobby in 1982.
DC
: 5. This active species requires frequent partial water changes to develop its splendid color.
Australian Rainbowfish
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
SYN
:
Aristeusfluviatilis, Melanotaenia splendida fluviatilis, Nematocentris fluviatilis
PD
: An elongated species have lateral compression. This species lacks the tall body heightcharacteristic of its genus. The head is small while the eye is large. There are two dorsal fins and the caudalfin is slightly forked. The anal fin has a long base and is pointed at the end. The back is yellow-brown while the flanksare silver-brown with a silver to green iridescence. A broad blue band runs from the snout to the caudal fin. Thismay often be fain in some places. The rear half of the body is marked with several orange-red lateral stripes. Thefins, except for the caudal fin, are yellowish with orange-red markings and a dark edge. The caudal fin does not have a darkborder. The rear part of the iris of the eye is orange-red as is a marking on the gill cover. Femalesare less colorful, lacking the orange-red stripes.
SIZE
: To 4" (10 cm)
SS
:
Melanotaeniamaccullochi, M. nigrans, M. splendida
HAB
: Australia; New South Wales and Queensland
S: middle
TANK
: A tank measuring 32" (81 cm) with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L) is suggested. Thetank should be well planted along the back and edges and have open swimming areas. A fine gravel substrate is preferredand the lighting can be bright. Use good aeration.
WATER
: pH 7-8 (7.2), 5-12 dH (8), 72-79°F (22-26°C)
SB
: A peaceful, schooling fish recommended for a community tank. Should be kept in groups.
SC
: Other Rainbowfish, livebearers, tetras that can tolerate harder, more alkaline water.
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are more colorful
B
: Use a well-planted, roomy tank with a temperature from 75-81°F (24-27°C). Pairingis preceded by vigorous chasing. Spawning usually takes place at dawn and continues for several days. The first day results in 100-200 eggs,with decreasing numbers each day. The dark eggs are attached to plants by fine threads. These hatch after 7-8 days. Theparents may eat the eggs, especially if not fed adequately. The young can first be fed paramecia and later
Artemia
nauplii. The fry grow slowly until reaching 0.4" (1 cm), when growth rate increases.
BP
: 6. Breeding is moderately easy.
R
: The the validity of this species is in question; some feel that it is a sub-speciesor a cross.
DC
: 4. A hardy fish suggested for a community tank. Preform frequent partial water changes.
Dwarf Rainbowfish, Black-lined Rainbowfish
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia maccullochi
SYN
:
Nematocentrismaccullochi
PD
: An elongated and laterally compressed fish with a small head and a large eye. Thereare two dorsal fins, and the anal fin has a long base. The male is silver with a blue iridescence. The flanks are marked with seven lateralstripes. These are yellow becoming red near at the caudal penuncle. The gill cover is marked with an orange-redspot. The fins have a greenish base with blood red outer parts. The colors of the females are less intense.
SIZE
: To 2.8" (7 cm)
SS
:
Melanotaeniafluviatilis, M. nigrans
HAB
: Northern Australia.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 28" (71 cm) with a capacity from 20-25 gallons (76-95 L) is sufficient. Followsuggestions for
M. fluviatilis.
WATER
: pH 7-8 (7.0), 8-15 dH (10), 68-77°F (20-25°C)
SB
: A peaceful schooling species recommended for a community tank.
SC
: Rainbowfish, Barbs, Danios, tetras, Gouramis,
Corydoras
, Livebearers
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males more colorful with a pointed first dorsal fins.
B
: As for
M.fluviatilis.
The parents will ignore the eggs.
BP
: 5. Breeding is easy.
R
: The Dwarf Rainbow requires frequent partial water changes to fully develop its colors.
DC
: 3. This robust fish is suitable for a community tank.
Dark Rainbowfish
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia nigrans
SYN
:
Atherinanigrans, Atherinichthys nigrans, Nematocentris nigra, Rhombatractus archboldi
PD
: An elongated, laterally compressed species with a large eye. There are two dorsal fins, an anal finwith a long base, and a slightly forked caudal fin. The back is yellow-gray and the belly is beige-white. The flanks are marked with a violetto green iridescence. A dark, black band runs from the snout through the eye and to the caudal fin. Borderingthis marking are regions of whitish-yellow. The fins, except for the caudal, are violet in color with dark borders. Thecaudal fin may be reddish-yellow.
SIZE
: Males to 2.8" (7 cm), females to 2.4" (6 cm)
SS
:
Melanotaeniafluviatilis, M. maccullochi
HAB
: Inhabits freshwater rivers and occasionally visits brackish water estuaries. EasternAustralia; from Sydney to the Cape York Peninsula; and Papua New Guinea.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 32" (81 cm) with a capacity of 30 gallons (114 L) is sufficient. Plantalong the edges of the tank and leave an open swimming area. The lighting should be bright and a sandy orfine gravel substrate can be used.
WATER
: pH 6.7-7.8 (7.2), 8-15 dH (10), 64-77°F (18-25°C). Salt can be added, anywhere from a 0.5-1.5%addition is acceptable.
SB
: An active, but peaceful schooling species that should be kept in groups of five ormore.
SC
: other Rainbowfish, Barbs, Danios, tetras, Gouramis,
Corydoras
, Livebearers
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are larger and more colorful with pointed first dorsal fin. Females lack the black edging to thefins.
B
: As for
M.fluviatilis.
The parents will ignore the eggs.
BP
: 5. An easily bred fish.
R
: In tanks without males, a female may lay mature eggs which will not hatch.
DC
: 4. This robust species is suitable for a community tank.
Western Splendid Rainbowfish
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia splendida australis
SYN
:
Melanotaeniasolata, Nevatherina australis
PD
: An elongated species with lateral compression. There are two dorsal fins, the caudalfin is forked, and the anal fin has a long base. The eye is large, but the head is small. The back is brownish red and the lowerparts are bluish gray. A broad, dark blue band runs from the eye to the fork of the caudal fin. The upper flanks have a reddish iridescence,while the lower have a blue iridescence. The rear two-thirds of the body is marked with several red to blacklateral stripes that run to the caudal fin. The fins are bluish, marked with red spots, and bordered with black.
SIZE
: Males to 4.3" (11 cm), females to 3.2" (8 cm)
SS
: Other sub-species of
Melanotaenia splendida,
other
Melanotaenia, Chilatheria
HAB
: Western Australia (Swan River) and in the Northern Territory.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a capacity of 35 gallons (132 L) is suggested. Useplants as a backdrop and leave open swimming areas in the front. Place the aquarium where it receives morningsun light. Use a tight-fitting cover as this species may jump. The tank should have an efficient filterand frequent water changes should be made. Suggest a dark substrate to bring out the colors of this species.
WATER
: pH 6.5-8 (7.0), 8-18 dH (12), 73-82°F (23-28°C)
SB
: An active, schooling species that is peaceful enough to be kept in a community tank. Thisrainbow should be kept in groups of five or more.
SC
: other Rainbows, Gouramis, Tetras,
Corydoras
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are larger, more colorful, and higher backed with age.
B
: Provide a large tank furnish with Java Moss and bunches of fine-leafed plants. Thewater should be clean-with regular partial water changes- and have a temperature from 75-82°F (24-28°C). A pairforms following much chasing. This pair should be conditioned in the breeding tank with
Artemia
and insect larvae. Duringspawning the colors of both fish are enhanced. Spawning usually occurs at dawn and 10-20 large eggs are scatteredamong plants. The eggs adhere to plants with sticky filaments. This process continues for about two weeks. Theeggs hatch after 7-8 days and the parents should be removed. The young should be first fed liquid and powdereddry foods. The fry are easy to raise and grow quickly.
BP
: 6. Breeding is not difficult provided the proper tank set up.
R
: There are six described sub-species of
M. splendida
, although only four are commonlyseen in the hobby:
M. splendidaaustralis, M. splendida inornata, M. splendida rubrostriata,
and
M. splendida splendida.
Thecolors of this species only develop after the fish is over a year old.
DC
: 5. This peaceful species requires frequent partial water changes.
Splendid Rainbowfish, Cape York Rainbowfish, Pink-tailed Rainbowfish
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia splendida splendida
SYN
:
Aristeusfitzroyensis, A. rufescens, Nematocentris splendida, Strabo nigrofasciatus
PD
: Similar to
M.splendida australis
except in size and coloration. Thecoloration of fins and the body are highly variable within this sub-species. The back is gray brown to silver blue,while the belly is yellow-gray. The flanks are generally bluish-silver with a violet iridescence. A faint, dark blue band runs from theeye to the caudal fin. Some fish may have several orange lateral stripes also marking the flanks. Thebase of the fins is light blue with an orange and black border. The caudal fin is marked with red spots. Thegill cover is marked with an orange spot. Females have more subdued colors.
SIZE
: To 6" (15 cm)
SS
: See
M.splendida australis.
HAB
: Australia; from Queensland to the Cape York Peninsula. Occurs in a wide range of habitats.
S: middle
TANK
: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) is sufficient. Follow recommendations under
M. splendida australis.
WATER
: pH 6.5-8 (7.0), 8-18 dH (12), 68-77°F (20-25°C)
SB
: As for
M.splendida australis
SC
: As for
M.splendida australis
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males have pointed anal and dorsal fins, are higher backed with age, and are morecolorful.
B
: As for
M.splendida australis
BP
: 6. Breeding is not difficult.
R
: Fish are sexually mature from 2.4" (6 cm).
DC
: 5. This species requires frequent partial water changes to prosper.
Jewel Rainbowfish, Three-stripe Rainbowfish, Banded Rainbow
[
Pictures
]
Melanotaenia trifasciata
SYN
:
Rhombosomatrifasciata
PD
: The coloration, pattern, and body shape is variable in this species depending on itsorigin. Generally the body is elongated and laterally compressed with an arched back. There are two dorsal fins, and the analfin has a long base. A conspicuous blue-black stripe runs from the snout, through the eye, and to the caudalfin. Anothersimilar stripe may be present near the belly.
SIZE
: To 4.7" (12 cm)
SS
:
Melanotaeniagoldiei, M. herbertaxelrodi
HAB
: Australia; inhabits rivers in Queensland (Cape York Peninsula) and the Northern Territory.
S: middle
TANK
: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a capacity from 35 gallons (132 L) is sufficient. Followsuggestions under
M. splendidaaustralis
.
WATER
: pH 7-8 (7.5), 8-20 dH (12), 75-86°F (24-30°C)
SB
: An active, but peaceful species that should be maintained in a school.
SC
: Rainbowfish
FOOD
: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes
SEX: Males are more colorful and has pointed anal and dorsal fins.
B
: Similar to
M.splendida australis
.
BP
: 5. Breeding is fairly easy in the right tank.
R
: Due to the wide variation of coloration, pattern, and body shape, more than one speciesmay make up
M. trifasciata
.
DC
: 4. This species requires frequent partial water changes.
Shark-repelling fishing gear in the works
(4/23/2008) Fishing gear that produces an electric field in sea water could help prevent sharks from becoming accidental bycatch, say scientists at NOAA.
Feds flood the Grand Canyon to save endangered fish
(3/5/2008) Federal government officials unleashed a flood of water from Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona to help restore the Grand Canyon's ecosystem which has suffered as a result of changes caused by the dam.
The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me.
