Melanotaenia splendida (Cap York rainbow fish)

Melatotaenia splendida fish, commonly known as rainbow fish, is a freshwater fish from Australia. It is often used in aquarophilia because of its beauty and its ease of maintaining.

The rainbow fish has a very colorful appearance, with rainbow-shaped patterns on the body. Its color can vary depending on age and sex, but adult individuals are generally blue, green and red with black and white strips. The caudal fin is in the shape of a sail and can also be dramatically colored.

The rainbow fish measure about 10 cm in length, although they can reach a slightly higher size in captivity. They have an average life expectancy of around 5 to 7 years in aquarium.

Rainbow fish are social animals and often find themselves in groups in nature. They like to live in aquatic environments with a lot of vegetation and hiding places, such as rivers and mountain lakes. They mainly feed on small insects and algae, although they also appreciate the pellets and the commercial flakes intended for aquarium fish.

In captivity, rainbow fish need a medium-sized aquarium with a filter and a pump to maintain clean and oxygenated water. They also like to have a lot of plants and decorations to hide and feel safe. It is important to maintain a stable water temperature adapted to their needs, generally between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius.

In summary, rainbow fish is a popular aquarium fish because of its colorful beauty and its social personality. They need an appropriate environment and adequate care to thrive in captivity.