Murray River Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia fluviatilis

Murray River Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Murray River Rainbowfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm)
Aquarium size: 48 US gal (180 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 8–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 48 US gal (180 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 8–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Murray River 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

Accepts dried, frozen and live foods; add regular varied live or frozen prey.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 48 US gal (180 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Australia.

Natural habitat: Slow-flowing or still freshwater habitats with aquatic vegetation, including river margins, ponds and lakes.

Similar fish profiles

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

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) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°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) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C)

FAQ

How large does Murray River Rainbowfish get?

Murray River Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm).

What aquarium size does Murray River Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 48 US gal (180 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Murray River Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Murray River 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 Murray River Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.

Should Murray River Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Murray River Rainbowfish: Keep in a loose group of 6+.