Order Atheriniformes ( Atheriniformes )
Family Melanotaeniidae ( Melanotaeniidae )
Continuation…
Genus Melanotaenia — Melanotaenia.
— Eastern Splendid Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia splendida splendida [Peters, 1866]. Synonym: Nematocentris splendida. (Eng. Cape York Rainbowfish, Eastern Splendid Rainbowfish). Australia. The body of adult fish is strongly compressed laterally, high, rhomboid due to the pointed head and relatively narrow caudal peduncle. 18 cm, in the aquarium males grow up to 11 cm, females up to 9 cm. The color pattern of subspecies varies greatly and depends on the habitat of the fish. There are many local forms, and a general color description is impossible.
Fish from almost every river they inhabit have their own distinctive coloration and body pattern. Fish evolved into subspecies because they were geographically isolated from each other, adapting to different environments and changing over time. Color is highly variable and depends on the fish’s mood, age, water conditions, and diet. Body shape varies within each subspecies and appears to be related to habitat conditions.
Males and females are generally differently colored, which adds difficulty to species identification. Knowing the geographical location of capture is very useful and serves as the primary form of identification. Therefore, the specific habitat range is usually indicated in parentheses after the species name – Melanotaenia splendida splendida (Daintree River).
The main body color of Melanotaenia splendida splendida is generally pale bluish-green, olive-green to yellowish in the upper part, with a whitish lower half. The scales on the sides of the body have a bluish-green, yellowish-red, or purple tint. Each horizontal row of scales is separated by a narrow reddish-orange stripe. The lateral stripe is indistinct, ranging from black to dark yellow in the anterior part and bluish-green or brownish-green in the caudal part. Other stripes on the body can be yellow, green, blue, or red.
The gill covers usually feature an orange or yellow spot. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins can be red or yellow with a pattern, or orange or yellow with bright red spots on the membranes and black edges. Other forms have blue-green bodies with yellow fins, dark spots, and dark margins. Females and juveniles have a silvery body and fins that are either translucent or faintly colored.
The most common forms are: golden-blue (brownish-blue) with a silvery sheen and a dark longitudinal stripe running from the eye to the base of the caudal fin. This stripe is black or dark yellow in the front and bluish-green or brownish-green in the tail. Below this stripe on the flank, there are 3-4 thin dark stripes. The silvery scales shimmer with all shades of blue, light blue, turquoise, pink, and brown. Orange-reddish stripes often run between the scale rows.
The second dorsal and anal fins are low but long and adorned with a patterned margin, red towards the edge and spotted at the base. The lower part of the body is light. In adult males, the caudal lobe, back, top of the head, and gill covers are purple in color and appear velvety. Males are high-bodied and more brightly colored. Females and juveniles have a pale silvery body color, with transparent or slightly colored fins compared to the bright colors of the males.
Geographical color variations: — Melanotaenia splendida splendida “Deepwater Creek”. With blue, brilliantly silvery scales with red edges and bright red fins; — Melanotaenia splendida splendida “Running River”; — Melanotaenia splendida splendida “Upper Burdekin River”; — Melanotaenia splendida splendida “Wallaby Creek”;
In large aquariums, fish grow larger than their wild counterparts, becoming very high-bodied and bright. Depending on the type of lamps used, the coloration of the same individual will change significantly. Peaceful, thermophilic, active, and jumping fish. They stay in the upper and middle water layers. They need plenty of swimming space, clear water of medium hardness, bushes, and floating plants. In a community aquarium, it is best to keep melanotaenia with medium-sized related species; any bottom-dwelling fish can get along with them.
Water must be clean with a minimal amount of decay products; they are susceptible to nitrate poisoning. Filtration, strong aeration (they are sensitive to low oxygen levels), and water changes are necessary. Food is one of the important factors related to growth, especially in early stages. To keep the fish healthy and brightly colored, it is recommended to provide vitamin-rich foods. Sexual maturity is reached at 8-10 months at a length of 4 cm. Lifespan is 4 years. pH 6.5-8; dH 6-10°; T 20-25°C.
The range occupied by this species is the largest compared to the distribution areas of other melanotaeniids that have a number of populations. The nominative subspecies Melanotaenia splendida splendida is found in all rivers of Queensland east of the Great Dividing Range. It is one of the most polymorphic rainbowfish species, with several subspecies and local races. Some populations have a dark stripe running from the eye to the caudal fin and 2-4 narrow dark lines on the lower half of the body. Subspecies are usually somewhat smaller than the nominal form. The magnificent coloration of this fish varies so much with its habitat that it is known in ichthyology under 16 synonyms.
— Checkered Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia splendida inornata [Castelnau, 1875]. Synonyms: Aida inornata; Aristeus cavifrons; Aidaprora carteri. (Eng. Checkered Rainbowfish). Inhabits forest rivers flowing into the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Arafura Sea on the northwestern coast of Australia. 11 cm. Populations from different river systems have their own coloration and shades. This is the most richly colored fish.
The body is golden-olive, the back is a darker brownish, and the back, chest, and belly are silvery-white. Warm honey tones and a sparkling blue sheen blend wonderfully on the scales. The scales of the upper and lower rows have a narrow brownish-red to black stripe. The middle stripe running along the flank is dark yellow in the front and bluish-green or brownish-green in the caudal part, becoming clearer and more saturated as it approaches the base of the caudal fin.
The anal and second part of the dorsal fin are long. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are transparent, brick-colored with golden spots, and have a faint black edge. Unpaired fins are very dark, almost black with bright orange spots. The male can be distinguished from the female by the shape of the fins: in the male, the first part of the dorsal fin is pointed, while in the female it is rounded. In males, the back becomes high with age.
Geographical color variations: — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Adelaide River”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Alligator River”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Anniversary Creek”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Blyth River”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Coomalie Crater”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Darwin”;— Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Flat Rock Creek”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Goyder River”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Moline Rockhole”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Oenpelli”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Nimrod Creek”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Salt Creek”; — Melanotaenia splendida inornata “Yirrkala”;
An aquarium with a fitted top cover, planted areas, and open swimming space. Peaceful, active, and jumping fish. Can be kept in a group (1 male and 2-3 females) with various fish species. Stays in the middle water layer. Filtration, powerful aeration (sensitive to low oxygen levels), and weekly water changes are necessary. They can be fed live, vegetable, and artificial foods. Very sensitive to copper concentration in the water. Reaches sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. Lifespan in captivity is 5 years. T 22-27°C; dH 7-25°; pH 6.3-8.5.
— Red Striped Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia splendida rubrostriata [Ramsey & Ogilby, 1886]. Synonym: Nematocentris, Melanotaenia rubrostriata. (Eng. Red Striped Rainbowfish). Inhabits southern New Guinea, Aru Islands, Daru Island, Strickland River, Lakekamu. 12 cm, with a body height of 6 to 8 cm. The main coloration is bluish-green silvery, the back is green-brown, and the chest and belly are greenish-white. The silvery body with a purple sheen is crossed by narrow stripes of spots, ranging from orange to pink and red, formed by rows of scales. Longitudinal stripes on the flanks darken as they reach the caudal peduncle.
The second dorsal and anal fins are noticeably wider than in other subspecies and are speckled with red rays and dots. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are deep red with a golden marbled pattern. Unpaired fins are dark, almost black with bright orange spots. Males of this subspecies are particularly high-bodied. It is difficult to distinguish them visually from Melanotaenia splendida inornata.
Geographical color variations: — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Aramia River”;— Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Aru Island”;— Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Bensbach River”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Daru Island”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Dekai”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Etna Bay”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Fly River”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Kavor Village”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Kemp Welsh River”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Lakekamu River”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Laloki River”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Sapoi River”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Soba Village”; — Melanotaenia rubrostriata “Timika”;
In large aquariums, fish grow larger than their wild counterparts, becoming very high-bodied and bright. In a community aquarium, it is best to keep melanotaenia with medium-sized related species. The aquarium should have plant shelters at the ends and back wall, where rainbowfish like to hide, while the front part should remain open for swimming. They stay in the middle water layer. The aquarium must have a fitted top cover since the fish are jumpers. Filtration, powerful aeration (sensitive to low oxygen levels), and weekly water changes are necessary. They can be fed live, vegetable, and artificial foods. Reaches sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. Lives up to 5 years. T 24-29°C; dH 7-25°, pH 6.3-7.5.
— Desert Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia splendida tatei [Zietz, 1896]. Synonym: Nematocentris tatei. (Eng. Desert Rainbowfish). Central Australia. 8-10 cm. Golden-yellow and silvery-pearly colors predominate in their attire. Easily distinguished from other subspecies by the overall yellow coloration of the body and fins, scattered with small dark spots.
Two color forms exist: — in one, males have a purple body with yellow-green fins, dark spots, and dark borders; — the other form has a green to bluish body with similar fin colors, a reticulated pattern on the flanks formed by brownish scale margins, and a narrow dark longitudinal stripe. During spawning, the male’s belly is bright pink. Females and juveniles have silvery bodies with transparent fins. The color of the fish varies depending on mood, water chemistry, and diet.
Geographical color variations: — Melanotaenia splendida tatei “Algebuckina Waterhole”; — Melanotaenia splendida tatei “Coongie Lakes”; — Melanotaenia splendida tatei “Finke River”;
In large aquariums, fish grow larger than their wild counterparts, becoming very high-bodied and bright. Shoaling, active fish. The aquarium should have plant shelters at the ends and back wall, where rainbowfish like to hide, while the front part should remain open for swimming. This subspecies has specific requirements for aquarium water conditions.
The water in the aquarium must have a minimal amount of protein decay products due to the risk of poisoning. Powerful filtration is mandatory. Sensitive to low oxygen levels; aeration is required. Weekly water changes are mandatory, with a salinity of 2-5% if necessary. They can be fed live, vegetable, and artificial foods. Mature at 7-12 months. T 22-27°C; dH 7-25°; pH 6.5-8.5.
Melanotaenia trifasciata, Melanotaenia vanheurni.
Melanotaenia solata, sexlineata, sylvatica, synergos. 
