Contents

Fish

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina

Glossolepis




Melanotaenia











M. splendida








M. trifasciata

Melanotaenia affinis, Pagwi

   Melanotaenia affinis, Pagwi is a stream dwelling rainbowfish from the northern half of New Guinea (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). "Pagwi" refers a natural color variety of the species.

Size: Males and females reach 14cm (5 in.).

Description: Males are grayish-silver with broad blue horizontal bar running from the eye to the tail. It also has blue and red narrow horizontal lines flanking the broad blue bar. These lines begin about mid-body and run to the caudal. The fins are blue and yellow. Females are similar, but in a subdued fashion. The top photo is of two males. The bottom photo is a female.

Environment: This species tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).

Geographic Range: This species has a large range including the northern half of New Guinea.

Temperament: This species is not aggressive and is an active swimmer. It can be kept either in a large single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with other rainbowfish or other fish with similar behavior.

Feeding: Feeding is simple with the fish taking prepared foods as well as live and frozen foods. Periodic feedings of Daphnia or other live foods are helpful in color maintenance, general health and breeding.

Spawning: This rainbowfish spawns like other rainbowfish, laying eggs daily in fine leaved plants or plant roots (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish breeding). The eggs hatch in about 12 days and the fry can take microworms, vinegar eels or infusoria immediately. Growth is rapid and sexual maturity is reached in about 4 months.

Additional Information and Photos: For more information about and additional photos of this species, click on one of the following links:
   http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Melanotaenia.htm

Page last modified June 6, 2007.

Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, LP