{"product_id":"skull-creek-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-sahulensis-moa-island","title":"Skull Creek Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia sahulensis \"Moa Island\"","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"pgqjp9\" data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"648\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eSkull Creek Rainbowfish – \u003cem data-start=\"609\" data-end=\"634\"\u003eMelanotaenia sahulensis\u003c\/em\u003e “Skull Creek”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"650\" data-end=\"662\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"667\" data-end=\"694\"\u003eSkull Creek Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a smaller, lively Australian rainbowfish with subtle striping, attractive fin colour and excellent group behaviour. This locality form of \u003cstrong data-start=\"836\" data-end=\"863\"\u003eMelanotaenia sahulensis\u003c\/strong\u003e is ideal for aquarists who want the activity and display of rainbowfish without the adult size of larger species such as \u003cem data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1011\"\u003eMelanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e. Best kept in a mature planted aquarium with clean water and a proper shoal, it is peaceful, active and especially appealing when males display to one another in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1213\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1496\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Skull Creek Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sahul Rainbowfish, Skull Creek Sahul Rainbowfish, Dwarf Sahul Rainbowfish, Skull Creek Rainbow Fish\u003cbr data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1376\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1396\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003eMelanotaenia sahulensis\u003c\/em\u003e “Skull Creek”\u003cbr data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1439\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1453\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1468\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1483\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1498\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"2005\"\u003eThe Skull Creek form is associated with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1566\" data-end=\"1593\"\u003eSkull Creek near Bamaga\u003c\/strong\u003e, at the northern end of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. The wider species, \u003cem data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1695\"\u003eMelanotaenia sahulensis\u003c\/em\u003e, is known from northern Australia and southern New Guinea, and FishBase records it from floodplain systems, small swampy creeks and dune lakes with dense cover. It is often found around lily lagoons and vegetated waters, frequently in acidic conditions around pH 5.5–7.0. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2241\"\u003eFishes of Australia describes \u003cem data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2052\"\u003eM. sahulensis\u003c\/em\u003e as a small rainbowfish with dark body striping and colourful dorsal and anal fins, further supporting its distinction from larger rainbowfish species. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2243\" data-end=\"2270\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2682\"\u003eSkull Creek Rainbowfish are slim to moderately deep-bodied fish with a silvery to grey-brown body, fine dark horizontal striping and attractive fin markings. Mature males can show stronger colour, with yellow, orange or reddish tones in the fins and a small warm mark around the gill area. Females and young fish are usually more understated, but they are important for natural group behaviour and male display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2684\" data-end=\"3006\"\u003eAdults are smaller than many common rainbowfish, usually reaching around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2767\"\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in aquarium care. FishBase notes that wild \u003cem data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"2826\"\u003eM. sahulensis\u003c\/em\u003e specimens are around 4 cm standard length, while captive Skull Creek stock may grow larger, around 5 cm standard length or 6 cm total length. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3032\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003eThis is a good choice for a peaceful planted community aquarium, smaller rainbowfish display or subtropical-style setup. It benefits from open swimming space through the middle of the tank, with plants, wood or floating cover around the edges. Skull Creek Rainbowfish are active but not aggressive, making them easier to accommodate than larger rainbowfish, provided they are still given enough room to swim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3443\" data-end=\"3608\"\u003eThey are not suitable for tiny nano aquariums, aggressive communities or tanks with very slow, delicate fish that may be unsettled by their activity at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3639\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3640\" data-end=\"3900\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3694\"\u003e90 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3723\"\u003e120 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred for a larger shoal and better display behaviour. A tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3821\"\u003e75–90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended, as this is an active midwater fish that should not be crowded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3902\" data-end=\"3922\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"4428\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3939\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3947\" data-end=\"3950\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"3957\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"3968\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3981\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable\u003cbr data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4029\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4029\" data-end=\"4050\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide clean, well-oxygenated water with regular partial water changes. Although trade sources often list slightly alkaline community conditions, FishBase notes that the species is frequently found in acidic waters around pH 5.5–7.0 in nature. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Stability is more important than chasing one exact number, especially with captive-bred stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4430\" data-end=\"4458\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4459\" data-end=\"4498\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4459\" data-end=\"4481\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4500\" data-end=\"4767\"\u003eSkull Creek Rainbowfish are peaceful, active shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include small to medium peaceful rainbowfish, rasboras, danios, small barbs, peaceful tetras, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, bristlenose plecs and calm dwarf cichlids in compatible water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4769\" data-end=\"5109\"\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very tiny fish and slow delicate species that may be stressed by active feeding behaviour. Keep in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4919\" data-end=\"4933\"\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4940\" data-end=\"4956\"\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred. A mixed-sex group is best, as males usually show stronger colour and more natural display behaviour when females and rival males are present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"5111\" data-end=\"5122\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5549\"\u003eSkull Creek Rainbowfish are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, micro pellets and small rainbowfish granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and small bloodworm. Include occasional vegetable or algae-based foods for balance. Feed small portions that are eaten quickly, as rainbowfish are fast feeders and can outcompete quieter species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5551\" data-end=\"5580\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5581\" data-end=\"5956\"\u003eThis species spends most of its time in the middle and upper levels, swimming in a loose group. Males may display to each other with raised fins and brighter colours, especially in the morning or after water changes. They are lively but generally peaceful, and a well-sized group will usually show more confidence, better colour and less nervous behaviour than a small group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5958\" data-end=\"5972\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5973\" data-end=\"6506\"\u003eKeep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and a secure lid, as active rainbowfish can jump when startled. Do not keep singly or in pairs. Provide open swimming room, but include plants or floating cover to reduce stress. If maintaining locality strains, avoid mixing \u003cstrong data-start=\"6250\" data-end=\"6265\"\u003eSkull Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e fish with other \u003cem data-start=\"6282\" data-end=\"6307\"\u003eMelanotaenia sahulensis\u003c\/em\u003e or related rainbowfish localities where breeding may occur, as this can blur the strain identity. Young fish may arrive with modest colour, but males improve with age, diet and good group structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6508\" data-end=\"6527\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6528\" data-end=\"6552\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6554\" data-end=\"6570\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6571\" data-end=\"6634\"\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist rainbowfish strain \/ Often captive-bred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6636\" data-end=\"6656\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6657\" data-end=\"6852\"\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":43671397695562,"sku":"AG-102702","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43671397728330,"sku":"AG-102703","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43671397761098,"sku":"AG-102704","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43671397793866,"sku":"AG-102705","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/Skull_Creek_Rainbowfish_-_Small_Melanotaenia_sahulensis.jpg?v=1780675977","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/skull-creek-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-sahulensis-moa-island","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}