Family: Melanotaeniidae
Distribution: Melanotaenia solata occurs in the north-western part of the Northern Territory, from the Fitzroy River to the Adelaide River, east of Darwin. They are also found on the large islands near the Gulf of Carpentaria, including Groote Eyland and Bickerton Island, and in Alligator River in Southern Arnhem Land, Australia. Typically, the Northern Rainbowfish natural habitat includes vegetation-rich swamps and tannin rich pools in lowland tributaries and floodplains.
PH: 7.0 – 8.0
Temperature: Around 27°C (80F)
Hardness: 10dH
Description: Similar to Melanotaenia splendida rubrostriata in colouration, although paler, the Northern Rainbowfish exhibits a bright red tail, and a silvery-grey body with trademark black and orange to red stripes. The exact tone and depth of colouration depends on geographic location. They grow up to 12cm; although commonly only reach 10cm. Females are generally smaller, around 8cm, and are less vibrantly coloured.
Diet: A nutritious varied omnivorous diet will keep your New Guinea Rainbowfish in good health. Offer small crustaceans, insect larvae and vegetable food like algae. They adapt well to flakes and granules.
Breeding: It is easy to achieve success when breeding Melanotaenia solata. 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. Eggs will be laid on the plant matter.
The eggs should be removed to a separate tank to avoid predation. Feed on baby brine shrimp or similar and keep them separate until they are ready to rejoin the community tank.
Tip: Other fish have been also called Northern Rainbowfish, so be sure to use the Latin name when purchasing this fish otherwise you could go home with the incorrect species. This is especially important when you are trying to breed Melanotaenia Solata only, not a cross breed.
Comments: The hardy Melanotaenia Solata is generally easy to keep because of their adaptability to pH, hardness and temperature fluctuations. As long as you keep the tank well-aerated and free of nitrates, then your Northern Rainbowfish should thrive happily. Use their natural environment as a template for your aquarium – include hiding spots created by log debris and plentiful aquatic vegetation, including floating plants. Provide areas for open swimming.
These fish may jump so be sure to secure a tight fitting lid to your aquarium.
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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