Banded Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia trifasciata

Banded Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner

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Need help with Banded Rainbowfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C)
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 8–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 26.7–29.4 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 8–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Banded Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Banded Rainbowfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Australia.

Important notes

Different geographic colour forms and sexual dimorphism affect size and behaviour.
Wild temperature measurements cannot be combined into captive preferred range.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Banded Rainbowfish get?

Banded Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Banded Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Banded Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Banded Rainbowfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Banded Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 26.7 to 29.4 °C.

Should Banded Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Banded Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of at least 6.