Goliad Farms, LP - Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi, is a lake dwelling rainbowfish from a limited area in east-central New Guinea (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish).

Size: Males and females reach 12cm (4.5 in.).

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).

Description: Males have a broad black horizontal bar running from the eye to the tail. Above this bar the fish is blue-green to yellow. Below the bar it is yellow-orange. The fins are reddish-orange (see middle photo). Mature males develop very deep bodies. Santa Fe Tropical Fish has developed a golden color variety of this species (see top photo). Females are greenish-yellow with a faint black horizontal stripe (see bottom photo).

Geographic Range: This species has a very limited range including only Lake Tehera and its tributaries in east-central 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 February 4, 2005