Australian Rainbow Fish Care: Lifespan, Size, Diet, Tank Mates

Australian Rainbow Fish (aka Murray River Rainbowfish) must be a great choice of fish for your aquarium if you are for a colorful and fun addition to your freshwater fish tank.

Rainbow Fish come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

In this Australian Rainbow Fish care article, we will provide an overview of the fish, as well as tips on how to care for them. So read on to learn more about these amazing creatures!

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Quick Facts:
Common Names	Australian Rainbow Fish, Australian Rainbowfish, Murray River Rainbowfish, Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish
Origin	Murray Reive Basin in New South Wales, Australia
Family	Melanotaeniidae
Scientific Name	Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Care Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Social	Community fish
Diet	Omnivores
Size (average)	3.5 - 4.0 inches
Lifespan	3 - 7 years
Breeding	Egg layer
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons (approximately 70 liters)
Tank Setup	Freshwater, Sand substrate, Driftwood, and Rocks for decorations, A lot of live plants
Tank Temperature	68 - 77 °F (20 – 25 °C)
Water Hardness	8 - 20 dGH
Water pH Level	6.5 - 8.5

Table of Contents

Species Overview

Rainbowfish are a group of fish that contains about 50 different species of fish that are native to different parts of the globe. The Australian Rainbow Fish is one of them that are native to the continent of Australia.

It is scientifically named “Melanotaenia fluviatilis” and is a member of the family Melanotaeniidae, which also includes other popular aquarium fish such as Boesemani Rainbow Fish and Madagascar Rainbowfish.

Australian Rainbow Fish is a typical small to medium-sized fish, with most species reaching a maximum length of around 4 inches long. They are named for their vibrant colors, which can include shades of blue, green, silver, and red.

Rainbowfish are relatively peaceful fish that do well in both community tanks and single-species tanks.

Australian Rainbow Fish Size

The average full grown Australian Rainbow Fish size is around 4 inches long. However, the female Australian Rainbow Fish size bit smaller than the male counterparts around 3.5 inches when it is fully grown.

Some wild specimens measured up to 4.3 inches long, but it is not possible in a captivity environment.

Australian Rainbow Fish Lifespan

The average Australian Rainbow Fish lifespan is around 5 to 7 years in the wild. However, the Australian Rainbow Fish can live up to 5 years in captivity. You have to give them your best care to reach that maximum lifespan in your aquarium.

Appearance And Colors

As their name implies, Australian Rainbowfish are known for their vibrant colors. They can be a variety of different colors, including silver, green, and blue. They also have patterns or markings on their bodies.

The colors of Australian Rainbowfish can vary depending on the time of year and the water conditions in their natural habitat. Their eyes are large and oval-shaped, and they have long, slender bodies.

The males of most species are more brightly colored than the females. Australian Rainbowfish have two dorsals and get their unique, beautiful coloration as they grow.

Behavior & Temperament

Australian Rainbowfish are relatively peaceful fish that do well in both community tanks and single-species tanks. They are not aggressive towards other fish and can even be kept with smaller fish such as Neon Tetras.

Rainbowfish are active swimmers and do their best in tanks with plenty of open space to swim around. They are typically not shy and will often swim out in the open, making them fun fish to watch.

Rainbowfish are known to be fin nippers, so they should not be kept with fish that have long, flowing fins. Additionally, males of some species can be aggressive toward each other and should be kept in separate tanks.

Australian Rainbowfish are social creatures and do best when kept in groups. A group of at least six(6) Rainbowfish is ideal, as this will allow them to form a hierarchy.

Australian Rainbow Fish Care

Australian Rainbowfish are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium. They are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of different foods, including flakes, pellets, and live food.

Rainbowfish are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. If given the perfect care, these species will keep you entertained.

– Australian Rainbow Fish Tank Size

The minimum tank size for Australian Rainbowfish is 20 gallons. However, a larger tank is always better, as these fish need plenty of space to swim around. A 30 gallons tank is a good size for a small group of Rainbowfish.

Australian Rainbowfish are known to be jumpers, so a tank with a lid is necessary. Increase your tank size by 2 gallons for each additional fish.

– Water Parameters And Testing

The ideal water temperature for Australian Rainbowfish is 68 to 77 °F (20 to 25 °C). The pH level should be between neutral and slightly alkaline.

These fish are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, but it is always best to maintain stable water parameters. Be sure to test your water quality regularly and perform weekly water changes of at least 20%.

Water Temparature: 68 – 77°F (20 – 25°C)
Acidity levels: 6.5 – 8.5 pH (best at 7.0 pH)
Water hardness range: 8 – 20 dGH

– Australian Rainbow Fish Tank Setup

The best way to set up an Australian Rainbowfish tank is to mimic their natural habitat. They come from slow-moving rivers and streams in Australia, so a similar setup is crucial.

Substrate

The best substrate for an Australian Rainbowfish tank is a sandy bottom. This will help to recreate their natural habitat and make them feel more comfortable. Rainbows are accustomed to digging in the substrate so a sandy substrate is necessary.

Lighting

Australian Rainbowfish come from well-lit habitats so they need bright lighting in their tank. The best way to provide bright lighting is to use full-spectrum bulbs.

These bulbs will recreate the sun’s natural light and provide your fish with the proper lighting they need. On top of that, full-spectrum bulbs also help to bring out the colors in your fish.

Water Filter

Since Australian Rainbowfish come from either slow-moving to fast-moving water, they need a moderate to powerful filter. A Canister filter with a moderate flow rate will work well for this species.

Be sure to position your filter so that the flow rate is not too strong.

Decorations

When decorating an Australian Rainbowfish tank, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places. These fish are shy and need places to hide when they feel threatened.

Driftwood, live plants, and rocks are all great decorations to use in an Australian Rainbowfish tank. However, do not use too many decorations as this can make your tank feel cluttered.

The fish also need plenty of swimming space, so be sure to leave enough open space.

– Best Aquarium Plants

Australian Rainbowfish come from habitats with plenty of plants so live plants are a necessary addition to their tank. These fish love to nibble on plants so be sure to choose plants that are tough and can withstand some abuse.

Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Anubias, Water Wisteria, and Hornwort are all great plant choices for an Australian Rainbowfish tank.

– Common Diseases And Prevention

Australian Rainbowfish are relatively hardy and do not often get sick. However, like all fish, they are susceptible to diseases. The most common diseases affecting these include:

Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins and tail of the fish. The fins will become frayed and eventually disintegrate. If left untreated fin rot can be fatal.

Ich: Ich is the most common disease affecting freshwater fish. It is caused by a parasite that attaches to the fish’s skin and causes white spots to form

Velvet: Velvet is a parasitic infection that causes the fish’s skin to turn yellow or brown. It can also cause the gills to become inflamed.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent these diseases is to maintain stable water parameters and perform regular water changes. Additionally, be sure to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

Moreover, do not overfeed your fish since this can result in health problems.

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Australian Rainbow Fish Food And Feeding

Australian Rainbowfish are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they will accept a variety of foods including pellets, flakes, live food, and frozen food.

It is important to provide a varied diet for your fish since they require different nutrients at different stages of their life. For example, baby fish need more protein to help them grow.

Pellets and flakes are the easiest to provide and can be found at most pet stores. Live food, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms, is a great way to provide variety and can be found at most fish stores.

Frozen food, such as Mysis shrimp or krill, is another great option and can be found at most grocery stores.

When feeding your fish, it is important to remember that they should only be given as much food as they can eat in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to health problems such as obesity and Swim Bladder Disease.

To ensure your fish are getting the nutrients they need, it is best to feed them a variety of foods. Live food should be given two to three times a week while pellets and flakes can be given daily.

Frozen food can be given once or twice a week as a treat.

Gender Difference

There are a few ways to tell the difference between male and female Australian Rainbowfish. The most reliable way is to look at the fish’s anal fin. The male fish will have a longer and narrower anal fin than the female.

Additionally, the male fish will usually be more brightly colored than the female.

Another way to tell the difference between male and female fish is by looking at their size. Male fish are typically larger than female fish.

However, this is not always the case and some females can grow to be just as large as males. The best way to determine the sex of your fish is to wait until they are adults. It will be easier to tell the difference between the sexes.

Australian Rainbow Fish Breeding

Australian Rainbowfish are easy to breed in the aquarium. They are egg-layers and will deposit their eggs on plants or rocks. The female will lay up to 1000 eggs at a time. The male will then fertilize the eggs.

Once the eggs are laid, the parents should be removed from the tank since they will eat their eggs The eggs will hatch in four to seven days.

The fry will be free-swimming a few days after that. The fry can be fed newborn brine shrimp or micro worms. They will grow quickly and should be large enough to accept pellets and flakes within a few weeks.

You must be keen because this species can be crossbred which can affect their long-term health. The breeding tank should be at least 20 gallons and should have plenty of plants or rocks for the female to lay her eggs on.

The water should be clean and well-filtered. A water heater is also recommended since Rainbowfish prefer warm water. To induce breeding, you can raise the water temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will usually trigger the fish to start spawning. Once the eggs are laid, you can remove the parents from the tank or keep them in a separate tank. The fry will be able to fend for themselves and do not need to be fed until they are free-swimming

Australian Rainbow Fish Tank Mates

Australian Rainbowfish can be kept with a variety of tank mates. They are peaceful fish and do well with other peaceful fish species.

Some good Australian Rainbow Fish tank mates include:

It is important to avoid keeping Australian Rainbowfish with aggressive fish since they may be bullied. Additionally, avoid keeping them with fish that are too small since they may be eaten.

When choosing Australian Rainbow Fish tank mates, it is important to consider the size of your tank. Australian Rainbowfish can grow around 4 inches, so you will need at least 30 gallons tank to keep with other tank mates.

A ratio of 3 females to 2 males will help reduce aggression. Rainbowfish are fast swimmers and they should not be kept with timid and slow swimming species. Aggressive fish species to avoid include Cichlids and Bettas.

Origin And Distribution

Australian Rainbowfish are native to the Australian continent, especially in Murray Reive Basin in New South Wales, Australia. They can be found in a variety of habitats that has slow-moving waters including rivers, streams, wetlands, creeks, and ponds.

In the wild, Australian Rainbowfish are usually found in groups. You find them under floating plants or near the shoreline in slow-moving waters. They are quick to dart away when they sense danger.

Although this species is not listed as endangered, its population in the wild their population is declining due to the loss of its natural habitat and overfishing.

FAQs

Are Australian Rainbow Fish Aggressive?

No, Australian Rainbowfish are not aggressive. They are peaceful fish that do well with other peaceful fish. However, they may be bullied by other aggressive fish. Also, avoid keeping them with fish that are too small since they may be eaten.

Are Australian Rainbow Fish Hardy?

Yes, Australian Rainbowfish are hardy fish that can adapt to a variety of conditions. They are a good choice for beginner aquarists. These species are easy to breed in the aquarium. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and water conditions.

However, they prefer water that is slightly acidic with a temperature between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. With the ideal tank conditions, these species are perfect for hobbyists

How Big Do Australian Rainbow Fish Get?

Male Australian Rainbowfish size can grow around 4 inches long (10 cm) and female fish grow around 3.5 inches. They should be kept in a tank that is at least 20 gallons. These peaceful fish species can even grow bigger in the wild.

How Many Australian Rainbow Fish Should Be Kept Together?

A ratio of three (3) females to two (2) males will help reduce aggression. Rainbowfish are fast swimmers and they should not be kept with timid and slow swimming species.

It is important to consider the size of your tank before adding any fish. Australian Rainbowfish can grow about 4 inches in size. So, a 30 gallons tank can house a small group of six fish. Add 2 gallons of space per additional fish.

Additionally, if you consider keeping them with other species, ensure your tank is big enough to hold them all.

Do Australian Rainbow Fish Eat Plants?

No, Australian Rainbowfish do not eat plants. They prefer to have plenty of plants in their tank. Plants provide them with hiding places and help reduce stress levels. Therefore,

Australian Rainbowfish is a good choice for planted tanks. These species are not known to uproot plants.

How Many Rainbow Fish Can I Put In A 55 Gallon?

For a 55-gallon tank, you should add no more than 12 fish. This will provide each fish with enough space to swim and reduce aggression levels. However, if you want to keep a school of fish, you should increase the number of fish.

A good rule of thumb is to add two(2) extra gallons of water for each additional fish.

How Much Does An Australian Rainbow Fish Cost?

The cost of an Australian Rainbowfish varies depending on the size, age, and color of the fish. A juvenile fish may cost between $12 and $18, while an adult fish may cost between $20 and $30.

The most expensive Australian Rainbowfish can cost up to $50. However, if you are buying these fish in bulk, you may be able to get a discount.

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Final Thoughts

Australian Rainbowfish are beautiful and popular freshwater fish. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium. They are peaceful fish that do well with other peaceful fish.

However, they may be bullied by other aggressive fish. Also, avoid keeping them with fish that are too small since they may be eaten. These species are easy to breed in the aquarium.

They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and water conditions. However, they prefer water that is slightly acidic with a temperature between 78 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are thinking about adding Rainbowfish to your tank, be sure to follow the guidelines above. This will ensure that your fish are healthy and happy. Thanks for reading