Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish

The crimson-spotted rainbowfish is recognized by the distinct red spot on its gill cover and its red-yellow fins edged in black. Depending on the light, its body shines in blue-green and golden tones. It is a large species that reaches 10–12 cm.

Because it comes from the subtropical region of Australia's east coast, it tolerates cooler water better than its tropical relatives; it adapts to warm summer months and a cool winter period. It is a hardy, long-lived and easy-breeding species; the individuals sold in the hobby are captive-bred.

It lives in rivers, streams, lakes and planted pools on the coastal plains of southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. These waters vary between mild and cool depending on the season and are usually clear and planted.

• Volume: at least 160 liters and 120 cm in length for a school of 6–10.
• Water: 22–25°C is ideal; neutral to slightly alkaline, with a wide tolerance from soft to hard. 25–30% water changes every week.
• Decor: Dense plants and roots along the edges, plenty of swimming space in the middle.
• Heater: Where room temperature does not drop below 20°C, a heater set low is enough.
• Lid: It jumps; the lid must fit tightly.

Omnivorous with a good appetite. It is fed quality flakes and granules, frozen brine shrimp, mysis, bloodworms and daphnia; foods with plant content should also be included. Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.

A peaceful but fast and energetic schooling fish. Males display to each other by spreading their fins, and during this their colors darken noticeably. It eats fry and small shrimp and can frighten very small, slow fish.

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

Avoid: Neocaridina shrimp, slow long-finned fish, aggressive cichlids, species that need very warm water; if you plan to breed, other Melanotaenia species.

At least 6, ideally 10 or more individuals. A female-heavy group (2 females per male) is balanced. Displays by several males bring the red spot and fin colors to their most vivid.

A very easy-breeding egg scatterer. In the mornings pairs lay a few eggs every day on fine-leaved plants or a wool spawning mop; because the parents eat the eggs, move the mop to a separate container every few days. Depending on temperature, the fry hatch in 7–14 days; start with infusoria and liquid fry food, then move on to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Hybridization: It hybridizes easily with other Melanotaenia species, especially its close relative the Murray River rainbowfish (M. fluviatilis) and the eastern rainbowfish; hybrids may be indistinguishable by appearance. For a pure line, breed the species separately.

• White spot: can appear after sudden temperature drops.
• Heat stress: being kept above 28°C for long periods lowers condition.
• Bloating: caused by overfeeding.
• In general it is very hardy and long-lived.

Males are larger, deeper-bodied and more colorful; the red gill spot is distinct, and the dorsal and anal fins are red-yellow with black edges. Females are smaller and slender; their bodies are plain silver, the gill spot is faint, and their fins are mostly colorless.