FreshwaterBrackish
Blackbanded rainbowfish
Melanotaenia nigrans
Melanotaeniidae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 10 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- At least 6 together
- Smallest aquarium
- 103 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
More about the species
Description
Inhabits rainforest streams, lily lagoons and small streams. Also occurs in larger streams, usually in backwaters or along the shoreline where there is minimal flow and grassy vegetation. Often found in brackish coastal waters. Temperature and pH ranges are 23°-28°C and 5.5-7, respectively. Feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae, and also filamentous green algae. Usually co-occurs with other species of rainbows and blue-blue eyes. A popular aquarium species which thrives in captivity. Type species (first species to be described) of the family Melanotaeniidae.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Atherina nigrans
- Melanotaenia nigra
In other languages
- Regnbågsfisk
- Stor regnbuefisk
- Mustajuovasateenkaarikala
- Australian rainbow, Black striped rainbow fish, Black-banded jewelfish, Black-banded rainbowfish, Common freshwater sunfish, Mauve rainbow-fish, Red-tailed rainbowfish, Spotted sunfish, Yalgurnda
Articles
All articles
How many fish can I keep?4 min read
Why "one cm of fish per liter" falls short, and what adult size, schools, territory and swimming zones mean for how many fish a tank can hold.
How to set up an aquarium from Australia and New Guinea4 min read
The home of rainbowfish: water, substrate, plants and light for rainbowfish, blue-eyes and peacock gudgeons, with a long aquarium and open water in the middle.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.