Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi) Care Guide
Melanotaenia duboulayi is an Australian rainbowfish with iridescent green flanks and rows of crimson spots, a peaceful schooling fish for spacious community tanks.
Overview
Melanotaenia duboulayi, the crimson-spotted rainbowfish, is an Australian rainbowfish of the family Melanotaeniidae with iridescent green flanks and a row of crimson spots between blue horizontal stripes. It was described by Castelnau in 1878, originally as Atherinichthys duboulayi.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia duboulayi
- Described by: Castelnau, 1878
- Common synonyms: Eastern Rainbowfish
Habitat
The species is endemic to coastal eastern Australia, specifically northeastern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland, in coastal river systems east of the Great Dividing Range. It favours open water and forms small groups around submerged logs and subsurface vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 8-25 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
A spacious aquarium with open swimming space, moderate flow and some planting suits this active schooling fish. Males reach about 12 cm but are usually under 10 cm; females are typically smaller.
Diet
An omnivore, it eats all kinds of foods, especially invertebrates and algae, and readily accepts flake foods in captivity.
Compatibility
A peaceful, mid-water schooling species that mixes well with corydoras and peaceful larger tetras. Aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Spawning occurs prior to summer rains, and the adhesive eggs attach to filamentous subsurface vegetation and floating plant roots.