Physical description: The coloration, pattern, and body shape is variable in this species depending on its origin. Generally the body is elongated and laterally compressed with an arched back. There are two dorsal fins, and the anal fin has a long base. A conspicuous blue-black stripe runs from the snout, through the eye, and to the caudal fin. Another similar stripe may be present near the belly. Size/Length: To 4.7" (12 cm) Similar species: Melanotaenia goldiei, M. herbertaxelrodi Habitat: Australia; inhabits rivers in Queensland (Cape York Peninsula) and the Northern Territory. S: middle Aquarium: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a capacity from 35 gallons (132 L) is sufficient. Follow suggestions under M. splendida australis. Water chemistry: pH 7-8 (7.5), 8-20 dH (12), 75-86°F (24-30°C) Social behavior: An active, but peaceful species that should be maintained in a school. Suggested companions: Rainbowfish FOOD: Live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects; flakes SEX: Males are more colorful and has pointed anal and dorsal fins. Breeding techniques: Similar to M. splendida australis. Breeding potential: 5. Breeding is fairly easy in the right tank. Remarks: Due to the wide variation of coloration, pattern, and body shape, more than one species may make up M. trifasciata . Difficulty of care: 4. This species requires frequent partial water changes. 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. |
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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. |
