Checkered Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia splendida inornata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The stunning Checkered Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida inornata) exhibits a peaceful and resilient nature. However, this species, while hardy and harmonious, may exhibit its exuberance with rapid movements and its larger size, potentially disrupting smaller or slower companions. However, fear not, for a well-chosen entourage can include fellow Rainbowfish, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, freshwater Gobies, and the delightful Corydoras Catfish.
To promote the well-being of the Checkered Rainbowfish, it is advisable to maintain them in a shoal of at least 6-8 individuals, preferably more. The presence of conspecifics encourages the males to display their vibrant colours, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. A spacious aquarium is necessary to accommodate a larger group comfortably.
The Checkered Rainbowfish thrives in planted aquariums, where dense vegetation provides shelter and open areas allow for unrestricted swimming. Water movement can range from slow to moderate, although live plants generally prefer minimal agitation.
The body colouration of the Checkered Rainbowfish ranges from olive to yellowish, with a white breast. The scales on the body exhibit a purplish sheen, while the mid-lateral stripe appears deep yellowish at the anterior portion and transitions to a bluish-green or brownish-green shade near the caudal peduncle. Additional body stripes may appear yellow or red. Notably, these fish feature an orange or yellow spot on their opercula. In addition, the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins display striking red and yellow checkered or orange-yellow patterns with bright red spots on the fin membranes, often bordered by subtle black edges.
During the spawning period, both sexes intensify in colouration, albeit to a lesser extent in females. Males exhibit blackening of fin edges and checkering on the caudal and second dorsal fins. Some individuals may develop a blackened nape, while the midlateral stripe becomes prominently visible, extending from the pectoral fin origin to the caudal peduncle. Two shorter dark lines appear above and below the midlateral stripe near the tail. Longitudinal stripes in both sexes adopt more vibrant hues, with males exhibiting an iridescent purple sheen when illuminated. A distinctive red spot adorns the operculum in both sexes.
Notably, the pectoral fins do not undergo colouration changes in males or females. Prior to spawning, the midlateral stripe in females darkens, albeit not as extensively as in males. The checkered appearance of the second dorsal fin becomes more pronounced, and the colour of all fins, except the pectorals, intensifies.
Checkered Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Checkered Rainbowfish is a straightforward task. The physical characteristics of these two sexes offer clear distinctions. Males possess a notable feature in the form of a longer first dorsal fin, extending to overlap the second dorsal fin. Conversely, females lack this overlapping fin arrangement.
With the passage of time, mature males exhibit distinct cranial traits. Their foreheads assume a sloped and notched appearance, indicative of their advanced age. Furthermore, the males develop a deeper body structure, enhancing their overall physical presence. In contrast, females generally exhibit a smaller size in comparison to their male counterparts. While not as vibrant as the males, females boast a colouration that echoes the hues found in their male counterparts, adding an element of subtle allure.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia splendida inornata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1980 |
| Other Names | Chequered Rainbowfish, Inornate Rainbowfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Melanotaenia |
| Origins | Australia |
| Max Size | 12 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 8 - 10 |
| ℉ | 79 - 91 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 26 - 33 |
Natural Habitat
Checkered Rainbowfish are indigenous to Australia's River Systems of the Northern Territory and Queensland. Their natural habitat encompasses the vast expanse of waterways that span from Darwin to the Cape York Peninsula, extending along the eastern coast until reaching the Lockhart and Stewart Rivers.
Thriving within the tropical realm, these Rainbowfish exhibit adaptability to a diverse range of freshwater environments. From leisurely meandering streams to expansive wetland swamps and tranquil lagoons to crystalline-flowing rivers, Checkered Rainbowfish can be encountered in almost every conceivable freshwater habitat. However, they demonstrate a preference for waters adorned with a moderate abundance of aquatic vegetation, which provides an ideal setting for their presence.
Breeding
Under controlled aquarium conditions, the captivating pre-spawning behaviour of the Checkered Rainbowfish unfolds with precision and vigour. Typically observed in the morning, this ritual can persist for up to an hour before the momentous act of spawning takes place. As this remarkable display ensues, the colours of both sexes intensify, creating a visual symphony of vibrancy.
During this pre-spawning phase, the males embark on a passionate pursuit of the females. Swiftly swimming beneath them, they engage in delicate contact, delicately brushing their vent area with erect dorsal fins or gently nudging the region near the pectoral fins. Trembling with anticipation, the males proudly display their erected fins as they accompany or position themselves at right angles to the females, showcasing their readiness for procreation. However, it is important to note that in their pursuit of courtship, the males may exhibit occasional aggression, resorting to nipping the females should their advances be disregarded.
In the climactic final stage of pre-spawning behaviour, a remarkable sight unfolds. The pair swims in perfect synchronization, their bodies gracefully parallel, rising and sinking in unison. Eventually, they come to rest, their heads gently touching, their bodies vibrating with rapid intensity. It is within this harmonious embrace that the miraculous release of eggs and sperm takes place, either amongst the aquatic plants or within the chosen spawning medium. Yet, the journey of these precious eggs is fraught with peril, as the vigilant parents may inadvertently reduce their survival through predation activity during and after the spawning process.
After a period of anticipation, the eggs will hatch, usually within a span of 7 to 10 days, with the precise timing contingent upon environmental temperature. As the tiny fry emerges into their newfound world, their initial sustenance must consist of nutrient-rich infusoria-type food. Gradually, they will transition to more substantial sustenance, eagerly consuming the nourishment provided by brine shrimp nauplii.
It is worth noting that sinking foods are ill-suited for their development, as the fry tend to remain close to the water surface, eagerly seeking sustenance and embarking on their growth journey.
Diet & Feeding
Maintaining a well-rounded and nutritious diet for your Checkered Rainbowfish is essential for their optimal health and vitality within the confines of the aquarium. In their native habitat, these fish demonstrate a predilection for a diverse array of sustenance, encompassing insects, small crustaceans, and filamentous green algae.
To replicate this dietary composition in the controlled environment of the aquarium, it is highly recommended to incorporate a variety of nourishing options. Algae-based prepared foods, meticulously formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs, should be included as a staple component. In addition, supplementing their diet with live insect larvae and nutritious brine shrimp serves to emulate their natural feeding behaviours, providing them with a rich source of proteins and essential nutrients.
Furthermore, fostering natural algae growth within the aquarium can prove highly advantageous. Not only does this contribute to the aesthetics of the tank, but it also serves as a valuable food source, enhancing the nutritional diversity available to the Checkered Rainbowfish.
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