Eastern Splendid Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida splendida) Care Guide
Melanotaenia splendida splendida is the eastern Australian subspecies of the splendid rainbowfish, a peaceful schooling fish with olive flanks and red caudal margins.
Overview
Melanotaenia splendida splendida is the eastern Australian subspecies of the splendid rainbowfish, a member of the family Melanotaeniidae. It displays olive flanks with red caudal margins and rows of red dots between the scales. The species was described by Peters in 1866.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia splendida splendida
- Described by: Peters, 1866 (species level)
Habitat
This subspecies occurs in Queensland rivers east of the Great Dividing Range, from the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula south to the Dawson River. It inhabits deeper pools in freshwater streams, as well as lakes and reservoirs, and forms large schools.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 8-25 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
A large aquarium with open swimming space, moderate flow and robust plants suits this active fish, which tolerates varying water clarity and vegetation levels.
Diet
An omnivore, it feeds on filamentous algae, aquatic and terrestrial insects, small crustaceans and invertebrates, accepting prepared foods in captivity.
Compatibility
A peaceful, mid-water schooling fish that mixes well with other rainbowfish and loaches. Aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Spawning occurs year-round with about 60-70 golden eggs per event, attached by adhesive filaments to vegetation; larvae hatch after roughly one week at about 4 mm.