Melanotaenia splendida
ExploreFish
Melanotaenia splendida
Melanotaenia splendida
The splendid rainbowfish is a colorful fish that loves to swim in groups. It has bright colors that can make it look like a little rainbow in the water!
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and streams
Appearance
The Melanotaenia splendida is an elongated, brightly colored fish, often displaying shimmering iridescent scales of red, orange, yellow, blue, or green. It has two distinct dorsal fins and a forked tail, with males typically more vibrant than females.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderAtheriniformesFamilyMelanotaeniidaeGenusMelanotaenia
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Male rainbowfish perform vibrant color dances to impress potential mates!
Some can survive in water that is much warmer or cooler than usual!
These fish are known as 'Rainbowfish' because of their dazzling, ever-changing colors!
They are excellent swimmers, navigating swift river currents with surprising ease.
Special abilities
Ability
Vivid Display
Melanotaenia splendida has brilliant, changeable colors that help males attract mates and define territories.
Ability
Streamline Speed
Melanotaenia splendida has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body that helps them dart quickly to escape predators or catch food.
Ability
Adaptable Gills
Melanotaenia splendida can tolerate varying water oxygen levels, allowing them to thrive in diverse freshwater environments.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8-15 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Swim Speed
- 5 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 5 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
These small fish are omnivores, munching on tiny bugs, algae, and plant bits they find.
Primary Foods
- algae
- aquatic insects
- small crustaceans
- zooplankton
- plant matter
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
Spoonbills hunt small fish in shallow freshwater habitats.
eaten by
Barramundi
Lates calcarifer
Juvenile barramundi prey on smaller fish like rainbowfish.
eats
Common Water Flea
Daphnia pulex
Rainbowfish actively feed on these tiny crustaceans.
eats
Common Midge
Chironomus plumosus
Larvae of midges are a common food source for these fish.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Splendid Rainbowfish
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch your step near water to stay safe and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Melanotaenia splendida?
8-15 cm
How much does Melanotaenia splendida weigh?
0.01-0.05 kg
How long does Melanotaenia splendida live?
3-5 years
What does Melanotaenia splendida eat?
These small fish are omnivores, munching on tiny bugs, algae, and plant bits they find.
How fast can Melanotaenia splendida swim?
5 km/h
Where is Melanotaenia splendida usually found?
Freshwater rivers and streams
How does Melanotaenia splendida hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Melanotaenia splendida go?
5 m
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
