Black-banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia nigrans)

Scientific name: Melanotaenia nigrans Richardson, 1843

The Black-banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia nigrans) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–24°C (64–75°F). Native range: Oceania, occurs only in Australia.

Black-banded rainbowfish care at a glance

Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

Biology

Inhabits rainforest streams, lily lagoons and small streams. Also occurs in larger streams, usually in backwaters or along the shoreline where there is minimal flow and grassy vegetation. Often found in brackish coastal waters. Temperature and pH ranges are 23?-28?C and 5.5-7, respectively. Feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae, and also filamentous green algae. Usually co-occurs with other species of rainbows and blue-blue eyes. A popular aquarium species which thrives in captivity. Type species (first species to be described) of the family Melanotaeniidae.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanotaenia nigrans
Family: Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Order: Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Common length: 6.0
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 5.2 - 5.6; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Oceania: occurs only in Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Spawns throughout the year)