All fish / Melanotaeniidae

Western Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia australis

Also known as western rainbowfish, australis rainbowfish, western australian rainbowfish, splendid rainbowfish australis, melanotaenia splendida australis, メラノタエニア・アウストラリス, 西澳彩虹鱼

A hardy, active rainbowfish with a silvery body marked by a dark mid-lateral stripe and thin reddish or orange lines along the flanks, while males show red or orange edged fins. Local populations differ in colour, which makes it popular with collectors of location forms, and it copes well with a wide range of water conditions.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

22 to 30 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and granules, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, small insects and some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory (Pilbara, Kimberley and western Top End river basins)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops over several days, with males displaying intensely at dawn. It is easy to breed; move the eggs or the mop to a separate tank, where they hatch in about a week and the fry need infusoria or other very fine foods at first.

Good to know

Keep separate collection localities apart and avoid mixing with other Melanotaenia species, as they hybridise readily. It is a fast, lively swimmer that needs a long tank with open swimming space and a fitted lid.