Family: Melanotaeniidae
Distribution: After being first collected in 1911, this species of Melanotaeniidae are still awaiting rediscovery. Only two male specimens were originally found in the upper Sermowai River on the north coast of West Papua, about 75 kilometres west of Jayapura.
PH: Unknown – varies significantly according to seasons
Temperature: 18°C -28°C (64– 82F)
Hardness: Unknown – varies significantly according to seasons
Description: The Corona Rainbowfish can grow up to 12cm (4.7 inches). The dorsal and anal fins are longer than that usually found in other members of the Melanotaeniidae family. Its live colours remain unknown. Although, we can infer, from the preserved specimens displayed in Amsterdam, that there might have been dark purple stripes on the upper side of its body.
Diet: The Corona Rainbowfish is not known in the aquarium hobby.
Breeding: While the Corona Rainbowfish is believed to be unavailable in the aquarium hobby, it is assumed that its breeding habits are similar to that of other members in its family.
Comments:
This species has not been recorded as having existed in a captive environment.
Tip:
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species:
Rainbowfish are a great community species in terms of their temperament and apart from other Rainbowfish species they also live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates. One thing you should take into consideration when housing rainbows with these recommended species is the water quality. Temperature and Hardness are similar but P.H. can be quite different, although it is not ideal, if you keep your water at a P.H. of 7 this should keep your community happy.
Rainbowfish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups consisting of at least six individuals, preferably no less than 10-15. Mix it up with enough females to give them a rest when the males are on the chase, but provide enough males to bring out their vibrant colours when they are in competition for female attention. Whilst this is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the fish, a large school is rewarding for the aquarist because a school of iridescent Rainbowfish is more dramatic to the eye than a few shy fish peeking out from behind dense vegetation.
Comments on this entry are closed.