Painted Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia picta) Care Guide
Melanotaenia picta is a rainbowfish from the Aru Islands of Indonesia, native to clear limestone rainforest brooks and assessed as Least Concern.
Overview
Melanotaenia picta, the painted rainbowfish, is a member of the family Melanotaeniidae. FishBase lists males to about 9.3 cm and females to about 7.9 cm standard length. Dominant males show checker-patterned flanks and golden-yellow fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia picta
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Mareremar River system on Kobroor Island in the Aru Islands, Indonesia. It inhabits small rainforest brooks with quiet pools interspersed with cascades up to 3-4 m high, with excellent water clarity, a limestone substrate and little aquatic vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 2.9, consistent with an omnivorous diet. In aquaria it accepts quality dry foods supplemented with frozen and live invertebrates.
Compatibility
A peaceful, active mid-water schooler best kept in a group of eight or more. It suits spacious community tanks with other rainbowfish and similarly sized peaceful species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).