{"product_id":"pagwi-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-affinis","title":"Pagwi Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia affinis","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"1izi9nk\" data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"442\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003ePagwi Rainbowfish – \u003cem data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"434\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e “Pagwi”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"456\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"968\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"461\" data-end=\"482\"\u003ePagwi Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a colourful locality form of \u003cstrong data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"539\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/strong\u003e, a New Guinea rainbowfish valued for its active schooling behaviour, metallic body sheen and striking mature male display. Young or small specimens may look modest at first, but well-kept adults can develop impressive colour, especially when maintained in a mixed-sex group with clean water and plenty of swimming space. This is a peaceful but energetic community fish for a spacious tropical aquarium, not a small nano species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"992\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1291\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1009\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pagwi Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1030\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pagwi New Guinea Rainbowfish, North New Guinea Rainbowfish, New Guinea Rainbowfish, Red-finned Rainbowfish, \u003cem data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e “Pagwi”\u003cbr data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1188\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1231\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1248\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1263\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1263\" data-end=\"1278\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1320\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1923\"\u003eThe Pagwi form is a locality strain of \u003cem data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1382\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e, a species native to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1404\" data-end=\"1418\"\u003eNew Guinea\u003c\/strong\u003e. The “Pagwi” name is associated in the hobby with the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1513\"\u003eSepik River area of Papua New Guinea\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the wider species is recorded from northern New Guinea drainages. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1624\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e as a freshwater, benthopelagic tropical species from New Guinea, while Australian import-risk documentation notes that the species is frequently found in rainforest streams, around submerged vegetation, logs and branches, and also in lakes, swamps and lagoons. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"2057\"\u003eIn the aquarium, it is best provided with clean, oxygen-rich water, planted cover around the edges and open midwater swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2086\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2604\"\u003eSmall Pagwi Rainbowfish are usually slimmer and less colourful than mature adults, but males improve greatly with age, condition and social display. Adult males can show metallic body colour, warm red or orange fin tones and a distinctive bright display stripe when courting. Specialist rainbowfish references note that the Pagwi form shows its condition clearly through colour, and males may develop a pale display stripe from the snout towards the dorsal area during courtship. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2816\"\u003eAdults can reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2630\" data-end=\"2642\"\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with FishBase listing \u003cem data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2688\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e at up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2698\" data-end=\"2725\"\u003e11.5 cm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e for males and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2740\" data-end=\"2765\"\u003e10 cm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e for females. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2818\" data-end=\"2842\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2843\" data-end=\"3236\"\u003eThis is a strong choice for a larger planted community aquarium, mixed rainbowfish display or New Guinea-style setup. Pagwi Rainbowfish are active midwater swimmers, so they need length and open space rather than a cramped, heavily cluttered tank. They suit aquariums with hardy plants, wood, rounded stones and areas of moderate flow, provided there is still clear room for the group to move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3238\" data-end=\"3360\"\u003eThey are not suitable for nano aquariums, very shy tank mates or slow fish that may be unsettled by fast feeding activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3617\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3415\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003e180 litres for a group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3474\" data-end=\"3488\"\u003e100–120 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are preferable for adult groups, mixed rainbowfish communities or stronger male display behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3619\" data-end=\"3639\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3640\" data-end=\"4196\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3640\" data-end=\"3656\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3667\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3667\" data-end=\"3674\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003cbr data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3685\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3685\" data-end=\"3698\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard preferred; adaptable if stable\u003cbr data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3748\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3748\" data-end=\"3769\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e FishBase gives a broad temperature range of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3814\" data-end=\"3825\"\u003e20–30°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Seriously Fish lists \u003cstrong data-start=\"3854\" data-end=\"3865\"\u003e20–30°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"3870\" data-end=\"3881\"\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"3905\"\u003e8–20°H\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cem data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"3932\"\u003eMelanotaenia affinis\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e For best long-term care, provide stable, well-filtered water, good oxygenation and regular water changes. Avoid very soft, unstable water and avoid poor maintenance, as rainbowfish show their best colour in clean conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4198\" data-end=\"4226\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4227\" data-end=\"4266\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4227\" data-end=\"4249\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4268\" data-end=\"4567\"\u003ePagwi Rainbowfish are peaceful, active shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful rainbowfish, larger tetras, rasboras, danios, peaceful barbs, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, small to medium peaceful cichlids and other robust community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4883\"\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, tiny fish that may be intimidated, and very slow or delicate species that cannot compete at feeding time. Keep in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4734\" data-end=\"4748\"\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4755\" data-end=\"4768\"\u003e8 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred. A mixed-sex group is ideal, as males usually colour up best when displaying to females and rival males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4885\" data-end=\"4896\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4897\" data-end=\"5410\"\u003ePagwi Rainbowfish are omnivores and usually feed readily. Offer quality flakes, small granules and rainbowfish pellets as the staple diet, supported with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and mosquito larvae. Specialist rainbowfish information notes that \u003cem data-start=\"5188\" data-end=\"5200\"\u003eM. affinis\u003c\/em\u003e feeds on a range of small invertebrates, including crustaceans and insect larvae, so varied small foods are ideal. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Include some vegetable or algae-based foods for balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5412\" data-end=\"5441\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5442\" data-end=\"5888\"\u003eThis species spends most of its time in the middle and upper levels, moving in a loose group and becoming especially active at feeding time. Mature males may display to each other with intensified body colour, raised fins and a bright courtship stripe. They are peaceful rather than aggressive, but their constant movement means they are best kept with confident community fish. A secure lid is recommended, as rainbowfish can jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5890\" data-end=\"5904\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5905\" data-end=\"6334\"\u003eBuy small specimens with their adult size in mind. Pagwi Rainbowfish need a group, a long aquarium and consistent water quality. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as small numbers can become nervous and less colourful. Maintain regular partial water changes, provide open swimming space and avoid overcrowding. Young fish often take time to develop their strongest colour, so patience, good diet and a balanced group are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6336\" data-end=\"6355\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6356\" data-end=\"6380\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6382\" data-end=\"6398\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6399\" data-end=\"6471\"\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist rainbowfish strain \/ Captive-bred when available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6473\" data-end=\"6493\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6494\" data-end=\"6689\"\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":43667540934730,"sku":"AG-102646","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43667540967498,"sku":"AG-102647","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43667541000266,"sku":"AG-102648","price":11.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43667541033034,"sku":"AG-102649","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/Pagwi_Rainbowfish_-_Large_Melanotaenia_affinis.jpg?v=1780584170","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/pagwi-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-affinis","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}