Goliad Farms, LP - Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia trifasciata, Pappin Creek

Melanotaenia trifasciata, Pappin Creek 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 upper reaches of Goyder River, hence its location designation. We acquired this geographic variant of the species in 2002 from a hobbyist.

Size: Males and females reach 15cm (6 in.).

Description: Both sexes sport one broad stripe beginning at the eye and extending to the tail. The stripe changes from a faint black to blue about mid-body. The blue stripe is flanked by bright red stripes. The body background color is olive green for both sexes. Fins are orange to red with brighter colored margins. 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 Goyder River in Australia's Northern Territory.

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 February 5, 2005