Melanotaenia Gracilis

Datasheet

General Description

The Slender Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia Gracilis) is a unique rainbow species that is not commonly seen in the aquarium hobby due to its remote origin in Australia. This species is listed as threatened on the IUCN list, emphasizing the importance of captive breeding efforts.

Aquarium Setup

The ideal tank setup for the Slender Rainbowfish includes a minimum tank size of 70 liters. Tank decorations should mimic its natural habitat, featuring a sparse and rocky environment with gravel substrate, smooth rocks, and possibly driftwood. While they thrive in a biotope setup, they also adapt well to densely planted tanks with minimal water movement.

Behaviour

Slender Rainbowfish are peaceful and do best when kept in groups of 6-8 or more. They exhibit skittish behavior and show their best colors when in the company of conspecifics. Suitable tankmates include similarly-sized rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs, freshwater gobies, certain catfish like Corydoras, and Rift Lake cichlids.

Feeding and Diet

These rainbowfish have an unfussy diet and accept a variety of dried, frozen, and live foods. Regular feedings of live foods can enhance their coloration and overall health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Information on the reproduction of the Slender Rainbowfish is limited, but assumptions suggest it breeds similarly to other genus members. Possible spawning behavior includes scattering eggs directly onto the substrate due to a lack of aquatic vegetation in its natural habitat. Mature males are larger, display brighter colors, and develop a deeper body compared to females.

Habitat and Distribution

The Slender Rainbowfish is native to North Western Australia, specifically found in the Drysdale and Carson Rivers in the Kimberley area. It inhabits slow-moving river areas and isolated pools during the dry season, characterized by clear water with a hardness level of 10-20 dH, pH range of 7.0-8.0, and temperature between 22-28°C.