All fish / Melanotaeniidae

Banded Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia trifasciata

Also known as banded rainbow, three-striped rainbowfish, goyder river rainbowfish, goyder river banded rainbowfish, wonga creek rainbowfish, coen river rainbowfish, trifasciata rainbow, メラノタエニア・トリファッシアータ, 三带虹银汉鱼, 三线彩虹鱼

This is a deep-bodied rainbowfish with a dark band running along its flank. Depending on where the fish come from, the body can be blue, gold or green and the fins red or yellow. Keepers like it for the strong colour of the males and because it is an active, hardy fish for large community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Australia: Northern Territory (Arnhem Land) and Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

Breeding

It scatters eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops over several days, and the parents do not guard them. Breeding is fairly easy. The fry need infusoria first and then baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

Keep each locality variant separate and do not cross them with other Melanotaenia species, because hybrids are common in the trade. Adults need a long tank with plenty of swimming room.