Melanotaenia Splendida Inornata

Datasheet

General Description

The Checkered Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia Splendida Inornata, is part of the Melanotaeniidae family. This species has four described subspecies with variations in color, pattern, and fin counts. Adult specimens are rarely available for purchase, with juveniles being more common in the trade. The full color development of these fish can take over 12 months.

Aquarium Setup

Checkered Rainbowfish prefer a planted aquarium with dense vegetation and open swimming spaces. The tank should ideally be at least 110 litres in size and should mimic their natural habitat. Water movement can range from slow to moderate; however, live plants generally prefer minimal agitation. Specific water parameters include a hardness of 8-20°dH, a pH level between 6.5-8.0, and a temperature range of 26-33°C.

Behaviour

This rainbowfish is very peaceful but may disturb smaller or slower fish due to its rapid movements and relatively large size. It is best kept in a group of 6-8 or more individuals to reduce skittish behavior and encourage the males to display their best colors. Suitable tankmates include similarly-sized rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs, freshwater gobies, and catfish like Corydoras.

Feeding and Diet

The Checkered Rainbowfish is unfussy in its diet, accepting most dried, frozen, and live foods. Regular feedings of live foods will enhance their coloration. These fish thrive on a varied diet, and offering live foods frequently is beneficial.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding the Checkered Rainbowfish is relatively straightforward as they are egg scatterers. However, raising the fry can be challenging. The breeding aquarium should be at least 30 inches long with slightly hard, alkaline water. Males are larger and display brighter coloration than females. They also develop a deeper body and longer dorsal and anal fins as they mature.

Habitat and Distribution

Checkered Rainbowfish are native to Australia and are typically found in neutral, slightly alkaline waters across various habitats like swamps, lagoons, streams, and rivers. These biotopes often undergo seasonal fluctuations in temperature and water levels. In the wild, they seek refuge under aquatic vegetation or submerged debris.