• Scientific Name:Melanotaenia splendida tatei
• Synonym: Nematocentris tatei, Nematocentris winneckei
• Common Name: Desert Rainbowfish, McDonalds Ranges Rainbowfish
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Origin: Australia
• Adult Size: 4 inches (9 - 10 cm)
• Social: Peaceful schooling fish
• Lifespan: 5 years
• Tank Level: Top, Mid dweller
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon
• Diet: Omnivore
• Breeding: Egglayer
• Care: Intermediate

• pH: 6.0 - 8.0
• Hardness: up to 30 dGH
• Temperature: 68-86 F (20-30 C)

 

Origin/Distribution

Melanotaenia splendida tatei was originally named Nematocentris tatei when it was first decribed in 1896. Since then it has been reclassified as Melanotaenia splendida tatei, one of several subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida. Debate continues on the status of this species, and it is yet to be determined if it is truly a subspecies or not.

Commonly known as the Desert Rainbowfish can be found in territories within Central Australia. They reside in streams throughout New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Northern Terrory. The majority of their habitat consists of streams and reservoirs in the desert, where the water levels change significantly between wet and dry seasons. During dry seasons they often are reduced to surviving in small pools.

Because of the fleeting conditions, Desert Rainbowfish have adapted to breeding rapidly when conditions allow. As a result of this adaptation, a large increase in their population has been observed, making them abundant in their natural habitat.

Despite being a hardy fish and their abundance in nature, hobbyists have had difficulty keeping them in captivity. Those that have had success usually have collected their own livestock.

Description

Desert Rainbow fish are stream-dwelling fish, silvery in color with a copper tinted stripe down the body. Brown spots adorn the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. There are two dorsal fins separated by a small gap, this being a trademark of all Rainbowfish. The anal fin is quite long, while the tail fin comes to a modest fork. Desert Rainbowfish can reach lengths of 4 inches (10 cm), and usually live about 5 years. As of recent, there are 3 subspecies of M. splendida. These subspecies are hard to decipher from one another due to only slight morphological differences. Because other M. splendida species are more colorful, many hobbyists may overlook this type of Rainbowfish

Tankmates

Like other Rainbowfish, this species does will in a community aquarium. Virtually any peaceful fish that thrive in similar water conditions, will be suitable. Angelfish, Catfish, Discus, Danios, Gouamis, Tetras are all suitable. Livebearing fish are likewise suitable.

Habitat/Care

During the dry season, when the water levels are low to non-existent the Desert Rainbowfish will survive in shallow puddles that remain behind. Consequently, this species has become highly adaptable able to withstand a wide range of pH conditions. Although preferring alkaline conditions of 7.2-8.0 they can stick it out in water with an acidic pH of as low as 6.5.

The tank should be roomy enough to provide ample swimming space, with hardy plants along the periphery of the tank. Some owners report that a small amount of aquarium salt keeps this species healthy.

Diet

It’s highly important to have an even balance of protein foods and vegetation for optimal health. A diet of brine shrimp, bloodworms, algae wafers, and vegetables would suffice nicely.

Sexual Differences

Like most species of fish, the males tend to have more coloration than the females do. While females are more silvery in color the males have a few different color patterns when in full breeding condition. In one color variation males are purple with dark specks and border as well as yellow green fins, and another form is blue green across body and fins. Coloration of the fins is absent with females of the species. During breeding it can be observed that the male’s body turns pink in color.

Breeding

There have not be well documented cases of Desert Rainbowfish having been successfully bred in captivity. Therefore, it there is not a lot of information available regarding captive breeding conditions. What is known are the conditions under which they typically breed in nature.

In their native habitat they spawn during the warm season between October and December. If there is a hard rainfall with plenty of run off this may also trigger breeding outside of the traditionally observed breeding season. While spawning, the female can release up to 200 eggs each day, favoring the early morning to release them. These eggs are quite adhesive and will stick readily to most aquatic plant life. Females prefer vegetation such as java moss for egg-laying substrate.