Western Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia australis)

Fish in the family Melanotaeniidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMelanotaenia australis

FamilyMelanotaeniidae

Also known asAustralis Rainbowfish

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful (active)

DietOmnivore

Adult size4.3 in

Minimum tank size50 gallons

Water parametersTemp 68-86°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 8-18 dGH

Appearance

Silvery to bluish body with reddish spotting and orange-red fins; multiple regional color variants exist across its broad range.

Difficulty and care for the Western Rainbowfish

Easy

Origin and habitat

Australia (Kimberley & northwestern drainages)

Keeper notes

Peaceful and very hardy; handles warm and variable conditions well. Active males spar harmlessly.

Log Western 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 Western Rainbowfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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