Banded Rainbowfish

The banded rainbowfish takes its name from the dark band running along the middle of its body. Its populations, which live in separate river systems of northern Australia, differ markedly in color: in some forms an orange-red lower body accompanies a blue-green upper body, in others yellow tones dominate. For this reason it is usually sold in the hobby under the name of the place where it was collected (e.g. Goyder River, Coen River).

Mature males reach 11–12 cm and develop a back that becomes noticeably deeper with age. It is a showy, hardy and long-lived species, but because it is a fast swimmer it needs a long aquarium.

It lives in the tropical streams of northern Australia, in spring-fed pools and along the planted edges of rivers. In the dry season some streams shrink into small, disconnected pools; for this reason the species is quite tolerant of fluctuations in temperature and water values.

• Volume: at least 200 liters and 120 cm in length for a school of 6–10.
• Water: 25–27°C, around neutral, soft to moderately hard water. 25–30% water changes every week.
• Decor: Dense plants and roots along the edges; plenty of swimming space at the front. It likes gentle flow.
• Lighting: Good lighting brings out the colors; a dark substrate increases contrast.
• Lid: It is a strong jumper; the lid must fit tightly.

Omnivorous and greedy. Make quality flakes and granules the staple; supplement with frozen brine shrimp, mysis, bloodworms and daphnia. Foods with plant content aid digestion. Feed small amounts in 2–3 meals a day.

A peaceful but active and self-confident fish. In the mornings males display to each other by spreading their fins; during the display their colors darken and a light-colored stripe appears on the forehead. It can outcompete small, shy fish at feeding time; it eats fry and small shrimp.

Good companions: large rainbowfish from other genera, Congo tetras, rosy barbs, corydoras, bristlenose plecos, synodontis, botias.

Avoid: Neocaridina shrimp, slow long-finned fish, aggressive cichlids; if you plan to breed, other Melanotaenia species and other locality forms of the banded rainbowfish.

At least 6, ideally 10 or more individuals. A group with 2 females per male is balanced. Having several males together noticeably increases display behavior and color; in small groups with a single male, the male can wear out the females.

An easy-breeding egg scatterer. With the morning light, pairs lay a few eggs every day on fine-leaved plants or a wool spawning mop; this can go on for weeks. Because the parents may eat the eggs, which have sticky threads, move the mop to a separate container regularly. The fry hatch in about 7–12 days; they are fed first infusoria and liquid fry food, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Hybridization: It hybridizes easily with other Melanotaenia species. Do not mix different locality forms either: each form is a separate natural population, and mixed breeding causes the form to lose its distinctive colors. Pass on the fry together with the form name.

• White spot: can appear after sudden temperature drops and after transport.
• Fading color: a sign of stress, a small group and poor water.
• Injuries: scrapes from jumping and crashing into decor; a lid and open space are important.
• In general it is very hardy and long-lived.

Males are larger, with a noticeably deeper back, and much more colorful; their fins are reddish with dark edges. Females are smaller, slender and silvery-yellowish; their midlateral band is thinner, and their fins are mostly colorless.