Spotted Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia maccullochi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 Australia

A small, colorful rainbowfish native to Cape York Peninsula and New Guinea, with males displaying reddish-orange to red body coloration with a distinctive pattern of dark scale edges creating a spotted or reticulated effect. It is peaceful and active, best kept in groups of 6+ in a well-planted tank of 20+ gallons, and is suitable for community setups with other peaceful small fish.

Size2.8"

Min Tank20g

School4+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Spotted Rainbowfish are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia once daily in small portions. Supplement with vegetable matter such as spirulina-based foods or blanched vegetables occasionally to support their natural diet of small crustaceans and plant material.

Behavior

These active, peaceful fish are constantly in motion, schooling together in the mid-water column with darting, energetic movements. Males display vibrant coloration and may engage in mild chasing during breeding season, but they pose no threat to other peaceful community fish. They are social and thrive in groups, becoming stressed or dull-colored when kept singly.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require densely planted tanks with fine-leaved vegetation for egg-scattering, stable water conditions, and slightly elevated temperatures (76-79°F). Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro foods.

Tank Mates

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and mid-water swimming habits make them ideal companions

excellent

Neon Tetra

Compatible water parameters, peaceful schooling behavior, and non-aggressive nature

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller that won't compete for space and helps maintain tank cleanliness

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche; avoid very young shrimp

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible temperature and pH requirements

good

Anubias Barteri

Hardy plant that provides shelter and spawning sites without being uprooted by active fish

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 79-80°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, maintain optimal temperature, use antibacterial medication if severe; remove any sharp tank decorations

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment; isolate severely affected fish if possible