Banded/Three-Striped Rainbow

Common name Banded Rainbow Picture of Banded Rainbow

Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Melanotaenia trifasciata

Synonyms Three-Striped Rainbow, Jewel Rainbow

Size 4.5" (11cm), females slightly smaller.

Origin Australia: Northern Territory and Cape York Peninsula.

Tank setup Peaceful planted tank with gentle water movement

Compatibility Community tank, combine with other lively shoaling species.

Temperature 24-28^oC (75-82^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly hard, slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.6-8.0)

Feeding Omnivore: will take flake, which should be supplemented with live and frozen foods

Sexing Males tend to be larger and deeper bodied, with more intense colouration.

Breeding Ideally, use a ratio of 3 males to 2 females. Males will display to the females. Spawns fairly readily in typical rainbowfish fashion, usually in the morning. Remove eggs to a separate rearing tank, otherwise they and the fry are likely to be eaten.

Comments Several colour variations of this species exist in different regions, which also vary in adult size. May eat soft-leaved plants.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Banded Rainbow	`Photos © Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Melanotaenia trifasciata
Synonyms	Three-Striped Rainbow, Jewel Rainbow
Size	4.5" (11cm), females slightly smaller.
Origin	Australia: Northern Territory and Cape York Peninsula.
Tank setup	Peaceful planted tank with gentle water movement
Compatibility	Community tank, combine with other lively shoaling species.
Temperature	24-28^oC (75-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly hard, slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.6-8.0)
Feeding	Omnivore: will take flake, which should be supplemented with live and frozen foods
Sexing	Males tend to be larger and deeper bodied, with more intense colouration.
Breeding	Ideally, use a ratio of 3 males to 2 females. Males will display to the females. Spawns fairly readily in typical rainbowfish fashion, usually in the morning. Remove eggs to a separate rearing tank, otherwise they and the fry are likely to be eaten.
Comments	Several colour variations of this species exist in different regions, which also vary in adult size. May eat soft-leaved plants.