Banded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
Also known as: Jewel rainbowfish, Three-stripe rainbowfish, Banded rainbow
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 200 litres (53 gallons)
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: top-and-middle
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 6
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: 6.5–8
- Hardness (GH): 89–357 ppm (5–20 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
A bold, deep-bodied Australian native, the banded rainbowfish comes from the streams and waterholes of the Northern Territory and Queensland and is one of the country's most beautiful freshwater fish, its colours and the number of dark bands varying by river of origin. Reaching up to 15cm but usually smaller, it is an active, peaceful schooling fish that wants a group of at least six, open swimming length, and dense planting, and it adapts to a wide range of water, though it colours best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and can look dull in very soft, acidic tanks. Like the site's other natives it is sensitive to sudden swings in water chemistry, so a mature, stable tank matters. Buy captive-bred stock, and never release aquarium fish into Australian waterways. A spectacular, hardy centrepiece for an Australian native or general hard-water community.
Tankmates
A peaceful, active native schooler, superb alongside other rainbowfish and Australian natives such as Murray River rainbows, Pacific blue-eyes, and the turquoise rainbow, as well as hardy community fish, denison barbs, bristlenose, and corydoras. Keep a group of at least six with open swimming space. Its size and energy can overwhelm tiny or timid fish, so avoid nano species, bettas, and fin-nippers. Choose captive-bred stock, and never release it or any aquarium fish into local waterways.
Compatible with
- Murray River Rainbowfish
- Pacific Blue Eye
- Boeseman's Rainbowfish
- Turquoise Rainbowfish
- Denison Barb
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Bronze Corydoras
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- Chili Rasbora
- Fin Nippers
- Large Cichlids
Common Problems
- dull colour in very soft, acidic water
- sensitivity to sudden swings in water chemistry
- needing swimming length that small tanks cannot provide
- overwhelming small or timid tankmates
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org, angfa.org.au · Last updated: 2026-10-13