Description
Papua Rainbow Fish Melanotaenia Papuae
Natural Range: Around Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Max Size: Not known currently, but reports online say about 2.5", making this a possible "dwarf" species.
Overview: Peaceful, active fish. Rainbowfish are generally hardy and easy to care for. Rainbowfish are truly unique in that the males of most species have a bright iridescent strip running from the top of the mouth up over the ridge of the back and continuing to the dorsal fin. Males frequently "flash" this bright strip on-and-off in absolutely stunning displays. When they flash, it looks like a neon light is being turned on and off. This, combined with the amazing coloration of many species, is something truly special that is not to be missed. Fortunately, these fish display and flash frequently.
Setup Considerations: Most rainbows of the Melanotaenia, Glossolepis, and Chilatherina genre grow to 5" - 6," maybe even more on the largest species. Many people successfully keep rainbows in tanks that are around 3 feet long...it can be done. However, these fish are rapid swimmers and do best in a tank that is at least 4 feet long (the length of a standard 55 gallon aquarium). If your tank is smaller, we would recommend sticking to the few species which top out at around 3" or less. Alternatively, looking into the closely related Pseudomugil genus (commonly called Blue Eyes) might yield the perfect species for a small aquarium.
Specific Care Requirements: They can jump, so a lid is highly recommended.
Diet: Rainbowfish are easy to feed. They are not picky and will greedily and rapidly eat most standard aquarium foods. However, they can develop problems when fed large, hard food. So, we find it best to feed "soft" foods like flakes, frozen foods, Repashy, and the like. If pellets are fed, they should be very small or softened by being soaked in water before they are fed.
Natural Range: Around Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Max Size: Not known currently, but reports online say about 2.5", making this a possible "dwarf" species.
Overview: Peaceful, active fish. Rainbowfish are generally hardy and easy to care for. Rainbowfish are truly unique in that the males of most species have a bright iridescent strip running from the top of the mouth up over the ridge of the back and continuing to the dorsal fin. Males frequently "flash" this bright strip on-and-off in absolutely stunning displays. When they flash, it looks like a neon light is being turned on and off. This, combined with the amazing coloration of many species, is something truly special that is not to be missed. Fortunately, these fish display and flash frequently.
Setup Considerations: Most rainbows of the Melanotaenia, Glossolepis, and Chilatherina genre grow to 5" - 6," maybe even more on the largest species. Many people successfully keep rainbows in tanks that are around 3 feet long...it can be done. However, these fish are rapid swimmers and do best in a tank that is at least 4 feet long (the length of a standard 55 gallon aquarium). If your tank is smaller, we would recommend sticking to the few species which top out at around 3" or less. Alternatively, looking into the closely related Pseudomugil genus (commonly called Blue Eyes) might yield the perfect species for a small aquarium.
Specific Care Requirements: They can jump, so a lid is highly recommended.
Diet: Rainbowfish are easy to feed. They are not picky and will greedily and rapidly eat most standard aquarium foods. However, they can develop problems when fed large, hard food. So, we find it best to feed "soft" foods like flakes, frozen foods, Repashy, and the like. If pellets are fed, they should be very small or softened by being soaked in water before they are fed.
DX courier delivery is £20 per livestock order.
Delivery is scheduled for your selected delivery date and typically arrives before 1pm.
There is no minimum or maximum order value.
Additional information:
- In-stock livestock orders will be processed and dispatched for delivery on the date selected on the cart/basket page.
- Available delivery days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- If any stock issues affect your chosen delivery date, we will contact you as soon as possible by email or telephone.
- Shipping for dry goods is charged separately from livestock delivery. Dry goods are dispatched according to our standard delivery policy.
- All livestock remains covered by our 7-day guarantee.