Sahul Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia sahulensis

Sahul Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle swimmer.

peacefulMiddle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Sahul Rainbowfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 70–79°F (21–26°C)
pH: 5.5–7
GH: 5–12 dGH
KH: 8–12 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 5–12 dGH, KH 8–12 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Sahul Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

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

Accepts most commonly offered aquarium foods; feed a varied diet suited to small rainbowfish.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Australia.

Important notes

Skull Creek rainbowfish resemble McCulloch’s Rainbowfish and were long mislabelled under Melanotaenia maccullochi; verify live fish identification.

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) 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) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Sahul Rainbowfish get?

Sahul Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Sahul Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Sahul Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Sahul 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 Sahul Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 21 to 26 °C.