The Checkered Rainbowfish - Mary River - M. inornata is generally easy to keep and suited for the beginner to intermediate aquarist. They are a popular species in the aquarium hobby.
They are active swimmers and prefer to be kept in shoals of 6 or more in planted yet spacious aquariums. They inhabit the Mary River, Australia. Generally the body colour is olivaceous to yellowish with white breast. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins are red to yellow Checkered or orange-yellow with bright red spots on their membranes.
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Checkered Rainbowfish are peaceful community fish that prefer to swim in groups of 6 or more. They can also be kept with other peaceful community fish.
Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates for your Checkered Rainbowfish.
Checkered Rainbowfish are omnivore's. They feed on algae and spirulina based foods. Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, kale, zucchini and cucumber can be provided as well as protein rich foods such as high-quality flake foods and small pellets. For healthy fish, ensure a varied diet. This species enjoy live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms and brine shrimp.
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Checkered Rainbowfish are best suited to a longer aquarium as they are active and energetic swimmers. An aquarium 4ft or larger is recommended. They are also well known jumpers, thus their aquarium should be well covered.
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Checkered Rainbowfish prefer water temperatures between 22 ⁰C - 28 ⁰C.
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Checkered Rainbowfish are found in shaded rivers, creeks and streams located from Darwin to Cape York, Australia. They are happiest in a dimly lit environment. We recommend LED aquarium lighting with adjustable brightness to ensure the light level can be altered for happy fish.
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Checkered Rainbowfish will tolerate wide parameters however enjoy good water quality. Ensure adequate filtration and flow in your aquarium.
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Checkered Rainbowfish enjoy dark substrates that mimic their natural habitat.
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Checkered Rainbowfish enjoy spacious planted aquariums with medium to large plants, including floating plants. Plant the background with tall growing plants, leaving the foreground an open space for swimming.
Interested in live plants for your aquarium? View our range of live aquarium plants here.
Decorations for Rainbowfish:
Rock & wood can be placed in the aquarium to mimic natural habitats and provide hiding locations to retreat to.
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Fish Keeping Snapshot
Preferred Water Parameters