Contents

Fish

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina

Glossolepis




Melanotaenia











M. splendida








M. trifasciata

Melanotaenia maccullochi

   Melanotaenia maccullochi is a stream and lake dwelling rainbowfish from both south-central New Guinea and north-eastern Australia (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). The top photo is a male. The bottom photo is a female, center of field. We acquired this species from a commercial source in 1997.

Size: This species is one of the smaller rainbowfishes with both sexes reaching only about 8cm (3.25 in.).

Description: Both sexes sport silver-white bodies with 8-10 thin, black horizontal stripes. Males have yellowish to red fins with broad black stripes near the margins of the dorsal and anal fins. Males often have orange breasts and yellowish heads. Females' fins are clear to yellowish and usually lack the black bars. The top photo is of a male. The bottom photo has a female center and a male above.

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). Like other rainbowfish, this species appreciates a little salt, 2-3ppt is adequate.

Geographic Range: This species has a range that includes both south-central New Guinea and north-eastern Australia.

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