Banded Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia trifasciata

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

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 6+Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 70–79°F (21–26°C)
pH: 6.5–8.5
GH: 8–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.5, GH 8–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Banded Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 6+.

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. Keep in a school of 6+.

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 (110 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 6+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Australia.

Similar fish profiles

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

Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 79–86°F (26–30°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) 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 ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Banded Rainbowfish get?

Banded Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm).

What aquarium size does Banded Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (110 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 21 to 26 °C.

Should Banded Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Banded Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of 6+.