Freshwater
Murray River rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Melanotaeniidae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 11 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- At least 6 together
- Smallest aquarium
- 122 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
More about the species
Description
Found in rivers, creeks, drains, ponds and reservoirs. Occurs usually in still or slow-flowing conditions. Inhabits streams, backwaters of larger rivers, drainage ditches, overflow ponds and reservoirs. Usually congregates along grassy banks or around submerged logs and branches. Omnivorous. The most southward-ranging rainbowfish and the only species adapted to low winter temperatures (normally about 10°-15°C). There is evidence that numbers are drastically reduced during winter drought when water temperatures dip below 10°C. Suitable for outdoor pond culture in temperate climates.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Aristeus fluviatilis
- Melanotaenia splendida fluviatilis
In other languages
- Australsk regnbuefisk
- Jokisateenkaarikala
- Australian rainbowfish, Crimson-spotted jewelfish, Crimson-spotted rainbowfish, Murray river sunfish, Murray-Darling sunfish, Pink-ear, Pink-eared rainbowfish, Rainbow-fish
Articles
All articles
How many fish can I keep?4 min read
Why "one cm of fish per liter" falls short, and what adult size, schools, territory and swimming zones mean for how many fish a tank can hold.
How to set up an aquarium from Australia and New Guinea4 min read
The home of rainbowfish: water, substrate, plants and light for rainbowfish, blue-eyes and peacock gudgeons, with a long aquarium and open water in the middle.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.