{"product_id":"aru-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-picta","title":"Aru Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia picta","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"hu4pn8\" data-start=\"276\" data-end=\"316\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eAru Rainbowfish – \u003cem data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"316\"\u003eMelanotaenia picta\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"330\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"354\"\u003eAru Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a colourful and active freshwater rainbowfish from the Aru Islands of Indonesia. Also known as the \u003cstrong data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"480\"\u003ePainted Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong data-start=\"484\" data-end=\"506\"\u003eAru II Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"528\"\u003eMelanotaenia picta\u003c\/em\u003e is a peaceful shoaling species that develops its best colour as it matures, especially when males and females are kept together in a well-maintained group. It is a superb choice for a spacious planted or stream-style community aquarium with clean water, open swimming space and calm tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"1061\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"864\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aru Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"883\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"899\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Painted Rainbowfish, Aru II Rainbowfish, Aru Rainbow Fish\u003cbr data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"960\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"980\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003eMelanotaenia picta\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1004\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1033\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1048\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1063\" data-end=\"1090\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1454\"\u003eThe Aru Rainbowfish is known from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1173\"\u003eMareremar River system on Kobroor Island\u003c\/strong\u003e, part of the Aru Islands, Indonesia. FishBase describes its habitat as small rainforest brooks with clear water, quiet pools and cascades, with stream channels made up of smooth limestone and plenty of shelter from fallen logs and branches. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1456\" data-end=\"1644\"\u003eThis natural habitat suggests a fish that appreciates clean, oxygen-rich water, moderate flow, open swimming areas and structured cover rather than stagnant or heavily polluted conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1673\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1674\" data-end=\"2088\"\u003eAru Rainbowfish have the deep-bodied, laterally compressed shape typical of many \u003cem data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1769\"\u003eMelanotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e species. Mature males usually show the strongest colour, with a mix of metallic body tones, warm orange to reddish highlights and contrasting fin colour depending on mood, age and lighting. Females and young fish are usually more subtle, but they are important for natural group behaviour and encouraging male display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2090\" data-end=\"2345\"\u003eAdults reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2110\" data-end=\"2121\"\u003e9–11 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with FishBase listing males to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2181\"\u003e9.32 cm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e and females to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2224\"\u003e7.91 cm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e. Aquarium Glaser notes that the species grows to about \u003cstrong data-start=\"2280\" data-end=\"2289\"\u003e11 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in aquarium care. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2371\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2737\"\u003eThis is an excellent fish for a peaceful, spacious community aquarium. Aru Rainbowfish suit planted aquariums, larger mixed rainbowfish displays and river-style setups with open swimming room. They are active midwater swimmers, so they should not be kept in small tanks, cramped aquascapes or aquariums with very shy fish that may be unsettled by constant movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2739\" data-end=\"2900\"\u003eThey look especially good in groups against darker décor, with hardy planting around the sides and back while leaving clear space through the centre of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"2902\" data-end=\"2931\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"3191\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"2955\" data-end=\"2981\"\u003e180 litres for a group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3028\"\u003e100–120 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are better for mixed rainbowfish communities or larger groups, as this species is active and displays best when it has room to swim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3213\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3695\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3230\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–26°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3238\" data-end=\"3241\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3241\" data-end=\"3248\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.8–7.8\u003cbr data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3259\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3259\" data-end=\"3272\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard preferred; avoid very soft unstable water\u003cbr data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"3333\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3354\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide clean, well-oxygenated water with good filtration and regular water changes. Aquarium Glaser recommends water that is not too soft, a neutral pH and a temperature of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3529\" data-end=\"3540\"\u003e22–26°C\u003c\/strong\u003e for this species. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Moderate flow is appreciated, but avoid forcing the fish to constantly battle very strong current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3697\" data-end=\"3725\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3726\" data-end=\"3765\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3726\" data-end=\"3748\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3767\" data-end=\"4048\"\u003eAru Rainbowfish are peaceful, active shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful rainbowfish, larger tetras, peaceful barbs, danios, rasboras, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, peaceful gouramis and other robust community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4050\" data-end=\"4493\"\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, very tiny fish and slow, delicate tank mates that may be intimidated at feeding time. Keep in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4217\"\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4224\" data-end=\"4237\"\u003e8 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred. A mixed-sex group is best, as males usually show stronger colour and display behaviour when females are present. Fishkeeper also notes that colours improve with age and are best when both sexes are present. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4506\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4507\" data-end=\"4957\"\u003eAru Rainbowfish are straightforward omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small floating or slow-sinking granules and rainbowfish pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and mosquito larvae. Include some vegetable or algae-based foods to round out the diet. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly, as rainbowfish are fast feeders and can outcompete quieter species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"4959\" data-end=\"4988\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4989\" data-end=\"5424\"\u003eThis species is an active upper to midwater swimmer that spends much of the day moving in a loose group. Mature males may display to each other with intensified colour and raised fins, especially in the morning or after water changes. They are peaceful rather than aggressive, but their constant movement means they are best housed with confident community fish. A secure lid is recommended, as active rainbowfish can jump if startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5426\" data-end=\"5440\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5441\" data-end=\"5848\"\u003eKeep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality, good oxygenation and regular maintenance. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as small numbers can become nervous and less colourful. Avoid very soft acidic conditions if they are unstable, and avoid cramped tanks where males cannot display naturally. Young fish may arrive looking modest, but colour improves with age, condition and correct group structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"5850\" data-end=\"5869\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5870\" data-end=\"5894\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"5896\" data-end=\"5912\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5986\"\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist rainbowfish import or captive-bred when available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"5988\" data-end=\"6008\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6009\" data-end=\"6204\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43667488571466,"sku":"AG-102642","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43667488604234,"sku":"AG-102643","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43667488637002,"sku":"AG-102644","price":11.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43667488669770,"sku":"AG-102645","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/Aru_Rainbowfish_-_Large_Melanotaenia_picta_1.jpg?v=1780583533","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/aru-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-picta","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}