Australian Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) Care Guide

A hardy, adaptable rainbowfish native to Australian rivers. Males develop vibrant green-blue and yellow colors with age.

Overview

Melanotaenia fluviatilis is a species in the family Melanotaeniidae. A hardy, adaptable rainbowfish native to Australian rivers. Males develop vibrant green-blue and yellow colors with age. Tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it one of the most beginner-friendly rainbowfish. Active swimmer requiring open space.

Taxonomy

Family: Melanotaeniidae
Genus: Melanotaenia
Scientific name: Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Other names: Murray River Rainbowfish
Origin: Oceania

Habitat

Native to eastern Australia from the Cape York Peninsula south through Queensland into New South Wales and west to the upper Murray-Darling. Inhabits a wide range of habitats from clear creeks to turbid lowland rivers and farm dams.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 20-26 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 5-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-10 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Other Rainbowfish, Corydoras, Large Tetras, Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Very Small Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate