Description
Murray Rainbows can tolerate cooler water temperatures compared to most Rainbows. They are an ideal fish for unheated tanks and garden ponds in many areas of SE Australia where winter water temperatures are at least 8-10 C. An excellent mosquito controller, suitable for frog ponds (if the pond is not too overgrown).
They are active swimmers and prefer to be kept in shoals of 6 or more in planted yet spacious aquariums.
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Features of Murray River Rainbowfish:
- Olive, brownish, or slightly turquoise on the back and upper side fading to white on the lower half
- Horizontal thin red stripe between each scale row that brightens in breeding males
- Males are much brighter and deeper bodied than females
- Most southerly ranging rainbowfish in Australia, tolerating cool temperatures
- Suitable for unheated ponds and aquariums
- Peaceful community fish with fish of similar size & temperament
- Grows to 10cm
Tank Mate Compatibility:
Murray River Rainbowfish are peaceful community fish that prefer to swim in groups of 6 or more. Best kept in a ratio of one male to two females. They can also be kept with other peaceful community fish and Rainbowfish of similar size.
Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates:
Diet:
Murray River Rainbowfish are omnivore's. Feed 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. They also feed on algae and spirulina based foods. Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, kale, zucchini and cucumber can be provided.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
The Best Aquarium Size for Murray River Rainbowfish:
Best suited to a longer aquarium as they are active and energetic swimmers. An aquarium 3ft or larger is recommended. They are also well known jumpers, thus their aquarium should be well covered. Can be kept in ponds, even in cooler climates.
Check out these suitable aquarium brands:
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Murray River Rainbowfish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration for Murray River Rainbowfish
A good filtration system is necessary as they enjoy clean and clear waters with a slow flow rate. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate to effectively remove waste from the aquarium. Naturally found in slow moving streams, ponds and billabongs.
Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Heater for Murray River Rainbowfish
This fish enjoy cooler temperatures between 20 - 25° C, and can be kept in unheated aquariums and ponds. If you are unable to maintain this temperature naturally, use an aquarium heater. Aquarium heaters also stabilize water temperatures. A thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.
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Aquarium Lighting for Murray River Rainbowfish
Murray River Rainbowfish 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. If using moderate regular lighting, broad leaf and floating aquarium plants can offer shaded areas.
Need aquarium lighting? View available aquarium lighting here.
Substrate for Murray River Rainbowfish
Murray River Rainbowfish enjoy dark substrates that mimic their natural habitat. Aquarium gravel and sand is suitable.
View our range of aquarium substrates here.
Aquarium Plants for Murray River Rainbowfish
Murray River Rainbowfish prefer 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.
Aquarium Decorations Murray River Rainbowfish
Rock & wood can be placed in the aquarium to mimic natural habitats and provide hiding locations to retreat to and reduce stress. Rainbowfish that are less stressed show brighter colours.
View our large range of aquarium decorations here.
