Melanotaenia Splendida Rubrostriata

Datasheet

General Description

The Red-Striped Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida rubrostriata) is a colorful species, belonging to the Melanotaeniidae family. Adult specimens exhibit vibrant hues, but juveniles are comparatively dull. It is one of the four subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida, differing primarily in color, pattern, and fin counts.

Aquarium Setup

For this species, a planted tank with areas of dense vegetation and open swimming spaces is ideal. Gentle water movement is recommended for their habitat. The minimum tank size required is 110 litres, and they thrive best in groups of at least 6-8 individuals. It is advisable to avoid mixing different subspecies in the aquarium to prevent hybridization.

Behaviour

Red-Striped Rainbowfish are known for their peaceful nature but can be fast movers, potentially disturbing smaller or slower fish due to their size. They thrive in a shoal environment and males display their best colors when in the company of conspecifics. Suitable tankmates include fish like rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs, freshwater gobies, and catfish such as Corydoras.

Feeding and Diet

These rainbowfish have an unfussy appetite and accept various dried, frozen, and live foods. Regular feeding of live foods enhances their coloration. They should be provided with a diverse diet to ensure their nutritional requirements are met adequately.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Red-Striped Rainbowfish is relatively uncomplicated as they are egg scatterers. The fry, however, can be challenging to rear. Males are larger and display brighter colors than females. Additionally, they develop deeper bodies and longer dorsal and anal fins as they mature.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, these rainbowfish are typically found in the tributaries and swamps of coastal plain rivers in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. They prefer habitats with aquatic vegetation or debris cover where they can seek shelter and security. The species thrives in slightly hard, alkaline water with a pH of 7.5 and a temperature range of 80-84°F.

*Please note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice.