The Australian Rainbow, also known as the Murray River Rainbow, is one of more than five subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida. Rainbowfish are known for their characteristic large eyes, black or silver band that runs through the middle scale rows, deeply forked mouth, and two dorsal fins.
This peaceful Rainbow is a schooling fish that thrives in a planted aquarium, but not too densely planted that there is insufficient free-swimming places available. The aquarium should have a gravel substrate; the colors of the fish may intensify with dark colored gravel.
An egg layer, the Australian Rainbow reproduces more easily in a separate breeding tank with a moss substrate. Courtship begins with the male displaying his brightest colors. At a temperature of 75°F, the fry will hatch after six or seven days. After the fry hatch, the adults should be removed from the breeding tank. The fry should be fed an omnivorous diet starting 24 hours after they hatch, as they are still being fed by their yolk sac.