Banded Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia trifasciata)

Fish in the family Melanotaeniidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMelanotaenia trifasciata

FamilyMelanotaeniidae

Also known asThree-striped Rainbowfish, Jewel Rainbowfish, Goyder River Rainbowfish

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful (active)

DietOmnivore

Adult size5 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 8-18 dGH

Appearance

Deep-bodied with a bold dark midlateral stripe and intense red, orange, or yellow fins depending on regional form. Among the most colorful Australian rainbows.

Difficulty and care for the Banded Rainbowfish

Easy

Origin and habitat

Australia (northern QLD/NT rivers — many regional forms incl. Goyder River, Blyth River, McKinlay)

Keeper notes

Peaceful but large and very active; needs space. Numerous geographic color forms traded by locality name — keep one form per tank to preserve color strain.

Log Banded Rainbowfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Banded Rainbowfish alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app