(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Common Name: Murray River Rainbow
Adult Size: 4 inches
Life Expectancy: 5 years
Habitat: Australia
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 72 - 75° F
- pH Range: 7.0 - 8.3
- Water Hardness: 10 - 30
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet & Nutrition: Although Australian Rainbows have large mouths, their throats tend to be narrow. With this in mind, foods should not be too large. The Australian Rainbow is an omnivore and should eat a mixed diet of flake foods, live foods, and plant matter.
Breeding & Spawning: Egg layer; reproduces more easily in a separate breeding tank with a moss substrate. Courtship begins with the male displaying his brightest colors.
Gender: Mature males will be more colorful and have a more highly arched back.
Compatible Tank Mates: See Compatibility Chart