Synonyms: None Physical description: An elongated, laterally compressed species with a pointed head and a rounded, fan-like caudal fin. There bare two dorsal fins; the first very short, while the second is much longer. The anal fin is long running from the mid-belly region to the caudal fin. The back is usually yellow-brown and the flanks are marked with a broad, bluish band. Another parallel band runs near the belly, although is less intense. The flanks have a silvery to green iridescence. The anal and second dorsal fins are orange-yellow with a black or red border. The caudal fin is white to black with black along the edges. The outmost parts of the caudal fin may be blood red. Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm) Similar species: None Habitat: Inhabits mountain streams in Madagascar. S: middle, top Aquarium: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a capacity from 35-45 gallons (132-170 L) is suggested for young fish. Adults require a 48" (122 cm) tank. Leave large open swimming areas and plant along the back and edges of the tank. Suggest bright lighting and a moderate to strong current. Water chemistry: pH 7-8 (7.0), 10-18 dH (10), 68-75°F (20-24°C) Social behavior: An active, schooling species suitable for a community tank. This species must be kept in groups of at least four fish. Suggested companions: Glossolepis, Melanotaenia, Corydoras, Danios FOOD: Live; insect larvae, worms, crustaceans, insects; flakes; pellets; spinach. SEX: Males are conspicuously more colorful with a pointed first dorsal fin. Breeding techniques: Use water with values suggested above and make frequent partial water changes. The tank should measure at least 28" (71 cm) and have some circulation. A small number of brown eggs are laid daily among fine-leafed plants and are attached by threads. The pair spawns continuously over a period of months. The eggs hatch after six to seven days and the fry first feed on roftiers and paramecia. Later the young can be fed with Artemia nauplii. Both the eggs and the fry are ignored by the parents. The fry swim in an oblique position at first, but soon develop normal swimming habits. Breeding potential: 7. Breeding is moderately difficult and the young may be sensitive to water conditions. Remarks: The Madagascar Rainbowfish requires clear, clean water. Difficulty of care: 6. This peaceful species is sensitive to water pollution and requires frequent partial water changes to thrive and keep its delightful colors. Recent articles about fish Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees (2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health. Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees (10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine. Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater (12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina. |
what's new | tropical fish home | rainforests | news | search | about | contact |
Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2009 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. |
