Melanotaenia Maccullochi

Melanotaenia Maccullochi was, for the first time described by O'Gilby in 1915. The first evidence of its collection is from the Barron River in Australia. The first specimens of this fish were exported to Europe in 1934. Since then, this fish spawns readily in aquariums. Now, Melanotaenia Maccullochi is fairly popular among the hobbyists. Life span of Melanotaenia Maccullochi is from three years to five years. If you are keen to know more about Melanotaenia Maccullochi, you can find the following account useful.

Common names: Australian Rainbowfish, Black-lined Rainbowfish, Dwarf Rainbowfish, McCulloch's Rainbowfish

Geographical distribution

It is found in the stretches from northern Australia to south-western Papua New Guinea, from Fly River to Bensbach River. In the Australian coastal plains of Queensland, the McIvor River and rainforest creeks on the northern bank of the Daintree River. The Australian range extends northwards all the way to the tip of the Peninsula of Cape York.

Habitat

It is found in Swamps and small creeks. You can find it only in the slow regions of middle and lower sections of Fly River.

Diet

Melanotaenia Maccullochi is an omnivorous. Thus, it relishes variety of plant and animal food. Live foods are preferred like worms and brine shrimps. Green food is required by them as it helps in good digestion.

Breeding

It is easy to breed Melanotaenia Maccullochi. If you condition a couple on live foods, it will scatter its eggs into the covering of the ground. Take away the parents so that they could not eat the eggs and fry. Between 8-10 days eggs will hatch. Fry can be given infusoria to eat till they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Description

Melanotaenia Maccullochi is a social fish which should be kept with six or more having more females than males. At one time, several Rainbow Fishes were lumped together under the common name of Australian Rainbows. More recently, research has identified a number of species and subspecies. This fish gels nicely with non-aggressive fish such as corys, tetras and other rainbowfish.

Physical Characteristics

Melanotaenia Maccullochi is a laterally composed and elongated fish. Its head is small and eyes are large. It has two dorsal fins and a long base is at its anal fin. Male fish is silver and lustrous blue in color. Lateral stripes mark its flanks. These stripes are yellow which become red near the caudal penuncle. An orange-red spot marks the gill cover. Greenish base is found on the fins and outer parts are blood red. In females, less powerful colors are seen.

Tank Set Up

Tank for Melanotaenia Maccullochi should measure 28 inches or 71 cms. It should have the capacity to hold 76-95 liters or 20-25 gallons of water. A heavily planted setup suits Melanotaenia Maccullochi. It is prudent to keep water flow at slow speed. To allow ample swimming space, keep gaps between planting areas and also allow space for males so that they can display at each other. For optimum health of Melanotaenia Maccullochi high water quality is required. Thus, it is good to do water changes partially every week.

Social Behavior

Melanotaenia Maccullochi can be suitably kept in community aquariums. It does well with rainbowfish of same size, danios, barbs, freshwater gobies, characins, catfish like Corydoras and dwarf chichlids. Melanotaenia Maccullochi is very playful as any rainbowfish can be. It fares excellently in a fish group of minimum 6-8 or more.

This fish can be handles easily. Taking care of Melanotaenia Maccullochi is an easy task. The above piece of writing has dealt fairly well about the details of Melanotaenia Maccullochi, so get this fish and fulfill hour hobby of having this Rainbowfish as your pet.