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 trifasciata, Archer River 
Melanotaenia trifasciata,
Archer River is a stream dwelling rainbowfish from northern Australia (click
here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). This species comes in a
number of natural color varieties, each from a different stream. This
particular strain is from Archer River, hence its location designation. The
top photo is of a mature male. The bottom photo is a mature female. We
acquired this geographic variant from a hobbyist in 2002.
Size: Males and females reach 15cm (6 in.). Description: Unlike most M. trifasciata geographic variants, this fish does not sport one broad, black stripe beginning at the eye and extending to the tail. The body background color is a pale lavender for both sexes. Fins are yellowish. Males develop some iridescent pink highlights in the body. Females lack pointed dorsal and anal fins of the mature male, are not quite as colorful and do not have deep bodies.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 much of coastal central-northern
Australia. This color variety is from the Running Creek.
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: Page last modified June 6, 2007. Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, LP |
