Goliad, Texas 77963
Fax 361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com
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Goliad Farms, LP | 8497 FM 622 Goliad, Texas 77963 |
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361.645.2252 Fax 361.645.2258 Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com |
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Contents
Fish
Rainbowfishes |
Melanotaenia splendida australis 'Dwarf Red' Melanotaenia splendida australis 'Dwarf Red' is a stream dwelling rainbowfish from northwestern Australia (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). This subspecies differs in coloration and size from the species having bright red fins and two bold black stripes on the body. It is the smallest Melanotaenia splendida at full size that we have found. We acquired this aquarium strain from our friend Ali Lopez in 2003.Size: Males and females reach 10cm (4 in.). Description: Both sexes sport two black and multiple, fainter and thinner red-orange horizontal stripes beginning about mid-body and extending to the tail. The middle black stripe is broader than the rest. Fins are red. Females lack pointed dorsal and anal fins of the mature male and are not quite as colorful. The top two photos are males. The bottom photo is of two females. Note the longer fins, brighter colors and deeper body of the males.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 range including most of Australia while this particular subspecies is found in northwestern 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. This species is a very determined jumper and can jump incredible distances. Be sure to have a tight-fitting cover! 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. The adults do not eat either eggs or fry. 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: Page last modified June 6, 2007. Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, LP |
