Desert Rainbowfish (Ellery Ck, NT)

Melanotaenia splendida tatei

General information: Original brood stock collected from Ellery Creek on the Larapinta Hwy. Life in the desert can be tough for a fish, especially when water is scarce. The desert rainbowfish breed very quickly in good times and become very common quickly. The desert is a place of extremes in conditions and this species should be able to withstand a broad range of conditions. There are no records of water quality from Ellery Creek. The rainbow fish from this location have been observed to grow to 100mm. males can be determined from females by much longer fish and a slightly deeper body. In their natural habitat rainbowfish are omnivores eating insects, algae and small crustaceans.

Cultivation notes : Rainbowfishes are an easy fish to keep in an aquarium but sometimes do not show much colour. Requirements for keeping are kept in a group within a 90cm or larger aquarium with some plants and a bit of swimming space and good lighting for 12 hours lights on period. They can be fed normal aquarium prepared food but do require plenty of greens.

Distribution : Central Australia, Qld and NT.

Selling details : Sold as individuals at 3cm or larger.

Reference: Allen, Midgley and Allen (2002) "Freshwater Fishes of Australia" after. EG "Floodplain Flora, a flora of the floodplain of the Northern Territory, Australia"]