The Dwarf Rainbowfish

Dwarf Rainbowfish
(Melanotaenia maccullochi)

A few years ago this species was simply known as the Australian rainbowfish as it was the only one commonly known to the hobby. Since then a whole host of other glamorous rainbows have joined them in our tanks. But we should not neglect this species as it is hardy, a good community fish and easy to breed. Its natural range is said to extent as far south as Sydney which means that it is likely to be low temperature tolerant. A suggested minimum temperature, based on this fact, is therefore 15° C. But you should be cautious in acclimatising them to lower temperatures as you may have one of the similar similar species; Melanotaenia splendida splendida or Melanotaenia nigrans, found in dealers' tanks from time to time; that are not low temperature tolerant coming from tropical northern Australia.

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