Family: Melanotaeniidae
Distribution: Endemic to the southernmost parts of the Vogelkop Peninsula’s river systems, the Irian Jaya Rainbowfish can be found thriving in rainforest streams. Aquatic plants are rare in these areas and the Irian Jaya Rainbowfish often finds shelter near submerged trees.
PH: 7.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 22°C – 27°C (72 – 81F)
Hardness: 9 – 16dH
Description: With a silvery mauve or bright copper-red body, blue mid-lateral stripes and red fins, the Irian Jaya Rainbowfish will satisfy a discerning aquarist on the lookout for beauty. They grow up to approximately 11cm (4.3 inches).
Diet: A nutritious varied omnivorous diet will keep your Irian Jaya Rainbowfish in top form. Feed regular portions of live food, including insect larvae, worms, insects, bloodworms and shrimps.
Breeding: Get your breeding pairs into condition by feeding them larger quantities of live food. Set up a separate breeding tank with lots of fine leaved plants, like java moss, or spawning mops. Raise the temperature to 75-81°F (24-27°C) and spawning should occur.
The eggs will hatch within ten days and should be removed to a separate tank to avoid predation. Feed on baby brine shrimp or similar.
Comments: Irian Jaya Rainbowfish are suitable for community and species aquariums. Provide a 150L (40 gallon) tank with open swimming areas, hiding spots created by drift wood, and good filtration for these energetic, yet peaceful rainbows. Change at least 25% of the water regularly and keep the organic waste to a minimum.
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.
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