Western Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia australis)
| Western Rainbowfish Melanotaenia australis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Western Rainbowfish |
| Name Lat. | Melanotaenia australis |
| Family | Rainbowfishes |
| Family lat. | Melanotaeniidae |
| Order | Silversides |
| Order lat. | Atheriniformes |
| Origin | Australia |
| Habitat | Streams, tributaries |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8-10 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3"-4" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Western Rainbowfishes are widely distributed in the waters of northern Western Australia. They occur in a variety of habitats with dense underwater vegetation, such as lakes and swamps, but mostly in the stillwater of streams and small rivers with clear water, where they often live in shoals among branches and roots. In accordance with their wide distribution, there are populations that differ considerably in coloration.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense background and edge planting, with hiding places (roots, stones) and plenty of free swimming space. A fine sandy substrate, slightly shaded light (floating plants) and clear, rather neutral than hard water is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need some vegetable food, such as algae leaves or commercial green food (spirulina, kelp).
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively and swimming fish, which show their most beautiful coloration in the shoal. At least 5, but preferably more Western Rainbowfish should be kept together. They are often quarrelsome in groups that are too small. They can be socialized well with rainbowfish of similar size, but also with other fish. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is more colorful and has a distinctly pointed second dorsal and anal fin.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners, which during the reproductive period daily in the morning (morning sun) deposit their eggs with adhesive filaments in fine-leaved plants. The fry hatch after 6-7 days. The parents do not engage in brood care.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, infusoria). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered.
Different populations should not be kept together, because they can interbreed (hybridize).
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF