Contents

Fish

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina

Glossolepis




Melanotaenia











M. splendida








M. trifasciata

Melanotaenia lacustris

   Melanotaenia lacustris, is a lake dwelling rainbowfish from a limited area in central New Guinea (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). The top photo is a male. The bottom photo is a pair, female in foreground. We acquired this strain in 1997 from a commercial source.

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

Description: Males are a bright turquoise dorsally and white ventrally. A dark bar extends from the tail toward mid-body. Some males sport a yellow stripe from the top of the head to the dorsal fin. The fins are blue. Females are similarly colored, but subdued compared to the male.

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 very limited range, which according to Dr. Gerald R. Allen includes only Lake Kutubu and the associated Soto River in 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. The fry can be reared with the adults since they do not eat fry.

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