
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Melanotaenia trifasciata
An Australian rainbowfish marked by a single black midlateral band and colours that differ sharply between localities. Mature males grow deep-bodied and intensely coloured. Fish from different localities interbreed freely, so they should not be mixed.
Melanotaenia trifasciata lives in small streams and waterholes across the Northern Territory and Queensland in northern Australia. FishBase records a maximum of 13cm SL, a common length of 8cm, pH 7.0-8.0, 9-19 dH and 25-30C, and notes that it favours clear to moderately turbid water over rock or gravel, among plants and around submerged logs. Seriously Fish gives 15cm SL, 24-33C, pH 6.5-8.0, 8-20 dGH and a 120 x 30cm base of about 108 litres. The black midlateral band is constant, but colour varies greatly with locality, the Goyder River form being known for red fins over a blue-green body. Fish from different localities hybridise readily and should never be mixed, which is why the collection locality is customarily appended to the scientific name. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Banded Rainbowfish lives 4-7 years.
The Banded Rainbowfish grows to Up to 13cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Banded Rainbowfish is 24〜33℃.
Origin
Australia (Northern Territory and Queensland)
Lifespan
4-7 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Melanotaenia trifasciata (Rendahl, 1922)
Synonyms: Rhombosoma trifasciata
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Size
Up to 13cm SL
Temperature
24〜33℃
Dried, frozen and live foods
Seriously Fish suggests a 120 x 30cm base of about 108 litres. It swims strongly, so choose a long tank and separate densely planted areas from open swimming space.
Seriously Fish gives a wide 24-33C, pH 6.5-8.0 and 8-20 dGH, while FishBase records pH 7.0-8.0, 9-19 dH and 25-30C in the wild. Neutral to slightly alkaline, moderately hard water suits it.
Peaceful but fast and fairly large, so it unsettles small or slow fish. Similar-sized rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs, freshwater gobies and Corydoras suit it, and a shoal of six to eight or more settles it.
Unfussy, taking dried, frozen and live foods. Regular frozen and live feeds bring out the best colour.
An egg scatterer that spawns readily, though the fry take effort. Use a spawning tank at about pH 7.5 and 26.5-29C with java moss or spawning mops. Never house different locality forms together, as they hybridise.
Young fish on sale show little colour; depth and colour come with maturity. Keep locality-labelled fish strictly by locality so no hybrids are produced. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Banded Rainbowfish is 24〜33℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Banded Rainbowfish is 4-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Banded Rainbowfish typically reaches Up to 13cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Banded Rainbowfish feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Banded Rainbowfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026