Black-banded Rainbowfish

The black-banded rainbowfish is one of the first rainbowfish described, in the 1840s, and is the type species of the genus Melanotaenia. A thick black band divides its silvery-yellowish body from head to tail; males have reddish fins with dark edges. It grows to 7–8 cm. It comes from the soft-water coastal streams of northern Australia and cannot fully show its colors in hard water; it is relatively uncommon in the hobby.

• At least 120 liters and 100 cm of length for a school of 6–10.
• 24–27°C, soft and slightly acidic water; a natural layout with roots and dried leaves is ideal.
• Plants along the edges, with an open swimming area in the middle.
• It jumps; use a lid.
• Hybridization: It can hybridize with other Melanotaenia species; keep the species separate if you plan to breed.

Omnivorous. It feeds on fine flakes and granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms; live foods improve conditioning.

Peaceful and calmer than its larger relatives; males display to each other with spread fins. It may eat baby shrimp.

Good companions: Tetras and rasboras that like soft water, corydoras, otocinclus, blue-eye species.

Avoid: Large and aggressive fish, fin nippers, species that need hard water.