Melanotaenia trifasciata

Sexing

 * Mature males are more colourful and their dorsal and anal fins will be more pointed than a females.

Tank compatibility

 * An active yet peaceful Rainbowfish that does best in groups of its own kind, making sure to keep more females than males. Will happily co-habit with similar sized peaceful fish, but they should not be mixed with other species of Rainbowfish.

Diet

 * Should accept most small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworm and daphnia. May also pick at small snails. Should also accept pellet/flake foods.

Feeding regime

 * Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

 * This fish does best in a well matured tank with dense planting, and some open swimming space, which is well filtered. They are sensitive to water chemistry fluctuations.

Behaviour

 * A peaceful loosely shoaling fish.

Identification

 * The colouration, pattern and body shape is variable in this species depending on its origin. Generally the body is elongated and laterally compressed with an arched back. There are two dorsal fins, and the anal fin has a long base. A conspicuous blue-black stripe runs from the snout, through the eye, and to the caudal fin. Another similar stripe may be present near the belly.