Melanotaenia fluviatilis (Australian rainbow fish)

The melanotaenia fluviatilis is a freshwater fish from the family of Melatotaeniidae, originally from the running waters of New Guinea. It is a very colorful fish, with blue and orange scales that cover its elongated and slightly flattened body. Its adult size can reach about 10 centimeters in length.

The melanotaenia river has a pointed mouth, located in front of its head, which allows it to easily capture the small animals it finds in the bright waters where it lives. Its pectoral and pelvic fins are long and fine, which gives it great mobility in water. Its caudal fin is driven, which allows it to propel itself quickly and precisely.

The melanotaenia fluviatilis is a very social and gregarious fish, which lives in benches of several dozen individuals. Males have more bright colors than females, and they often have striped or scales patterns on their bodies. Females have duller colors, with vertical blue and orange strips.

The melanotaenia fluviatilis is a fish much appreciated by the aquariophiles for its beautiful color and its social personality. It is easy to keep in captivity, but it needs a well -equipped aquarium with plants, rocks and caches to feel safe. It also needs good filtration and quality water to stay healthy. In general, it is a robust and easy to maintain fish, which can live for several years in aquarium.