Macculloch's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia maccullochi) Care Guide
Melanotaenia maccullochi is a small striped rainbowfish from northern Australia and New Guinea, an aquarium classic since its 1915 description.
Overview
Melanotaenia maccullochi is a small rainbowfish of the family Melanotaeniidae, reaching about 7-7.5 cm. It was described in 1915 by James Douglas Ogilby, who named it after the ichthyologist Allan Riverstone McCulloch, and it has been kept in the aquarium hobby ever since. The silvery body carries several dark longitudinal stripes, with males more vividly coloured than females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia maccullochi
Habitat
Found across northeastern Australia and Papua New Guinea in swamps, streams and creeks. FishBase notes lowland swamps and small streams with clear, acidic water and plenty of cover from logs or vegetation, with natural pH around 5.5-7.0.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
An omnivore: Wikipedia reports a wild diet of aquatic invertebrates, algae and terrestrial invertebrates. In captivity it readily accepts frozen foods, flakes and granules.
Compatibility
A peaceful, small mid-water schooler suited to community aquaria. Keep in groups of eight or more alongside other peaceful species such as small catfish and tetras.
Breeding
Wikipedia notes the species breeds readily in captivity. Spawning occurs in the early morning, with the pair pressing together and trembling as eggs are deposited among aquatic plants; sexual maturity is reached at about five months and 3 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).