Goliad Farms, LP - Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia splendida splendida, Davie's Creek

Goliad Farms, LP

8497 FM 622
Goliad, Texas 77963

Voice 361.645.2252
Fax 361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com

Contents

Fish

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina

Glossolepis

Melanotaenia

M. splendida

M. trifasciata

Melanotaenia splendida splendida, Davie's Creek

Melanotaenia splendida splendida, Davie's Creek is a stream dwelling rainbowfish from northeastern Australia (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). This subspecies differs in coloration and size from the species having bright red fins and a lavender body. The "Davie's Creek" designation indicates the collection site for this strain. The top photograph is of a mature male showing the pointed dorsal and anal fins and the deep body shape of the typical mature male. The bottom picture is of a mature female. As is typical of this fish, the female is smaller, slimmer and somewhat less colorful than the male. We acquired this geographic variant of the subspecies from a hobbyist in Hawaii in 2002.

Size: Males reach 15cm (6 in.). Females grow to about 12.5cm (5 inches).

Description: Both sexes sport one thin black and multiple, thin red-orange horizontal stripes beginning about mid-body and extending to the tail. The body background color is lavender for both sexes. Fins are orange to red. Females lack pointed dorsal and anal fins of the mature male and are not quite as colorful.

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 northeastern 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:
http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Melanotaenia.htm

Page last modified June 6, 2007.