Murray River Rainbowfish

The Murray River rainbowfish lives in the inland basin of southeast Australia and is adapted to waters that become quite cool in winter. Its body shines in gold and blue tones; males have thin orange-red lines, a red gill spot and reddish fins with dark edges. It grows to 8–9 cm. Its numbers have declined in parts of its natural range; fish in the hobby are captive-bred.

• At least 150 liters and 100–120 cm of length for a school of 6–10.
• 20–24°C is ideal; it does not like very warm water and also suits cool, unheated aquariums.
• Neutral to slightly alkaline, moderately hard water; plants along the edges, with a wide swimming area in the middle.
• It jumps; the lid must be tight.
• Hybridization: It hybridizes easily with the crimson-spotted rainbowfish (M. duboulayi) and other Melanotaenia species; keep it separate if you plan to breed.

Omnivorous. It feeds on quality flakes and granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. Foods with plant content aid digestion.

A peaceful, active schooling fish; males display to each other. It may eat baby shrimp.

Good companions: Fish suited to cool water: zebra danios, White Cloud Mountain minnows, corydoras, rainbowfish from other genera.

Avoid: Tropical species that need warm water, aggressive fish, slow long-finned fish.