Melanotaenia Irianjaya

Datasheet

General Description

The Irian Jaya Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia Irianjaya, is a species belonging to the Melanotaeniidae family. This striking rainbowfish is easily distinguishable by its elongated middle rays in the dorsal and anal fins, a characteristic shared with the closely-related Glossolepis genus. It can grow to a maximum size of 12.0cm and is native to the Bintuni Bay area of Irian Jaya in Indonesia.

Aquarium Setup

For an Irian Jaya Rainbowfish, an aquarium of at least 85 litres is recommended. The tank setup is versatile; it can either be a biotope aquarium with sand or fine gravel, driftwood, and beech branches, or a densely planted environment. Water conditions should be maintained at a temperature between 23-26°C, a pH range of 6.5-8.0, and a hardness of 10-15°dH. Water movement levels are not critical for this species.

Behaviour

This rainbowfish is known for its peaceful nature but thrives best when kept with species that share similar water chemistry preferences. It is recommended to keep them in shoals of at least 6-8 individuals, with more being preferable. In the company of conspecifics, male Irian Jaya Rainbowfish will display their vibrant colors. These fish can be skittish, like other rainbowfish, and feel more secure in larger groups.

Feeding and Diet

Like many rainbowfish species, the Irian Jaya Rainbowfish is an omnivorous eater. It readily accepts a variety of foods, including dried, frozen, and live options. To bring out their best colors, regular feeding of live foods is suggested.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding the Irian Jaya Rainbowfish is relatively straightforward as they are egg scatterers. A separate breeding tank with slightly hard, alkaline water, a pH of around 7.5, and a temperature of 80-84°F is recommended. Mature males are distinguishable by their larger size, brighter coloration, and deeper body compared to females. Successfully rearing the fry involves providing appropriate food and conditions to support their development.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, the Irian Jaya Rainbowfish inhabits both slow and fast-flowing rainforest streams with little aquatic vegetation. Instead of vegetation, these fish use submerged logs and branches for cover. They are native only to specific areas around the Bintuni Bay region in Indonesia.