{"product_id":"three-stripe-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-trifasciata-blyth-river","title":"Three Stripe Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia trifasciata \"Blyth River\"","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"1wghwpd\" data-start=\"357\" data-end=\"432\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eBlyth River Banded Rainbowfish – \u003cem data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"418\"\u003eMelanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e “Blyth River”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"446\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"935\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"485\"\u003eBlyth River Banded Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold, active Australian rainbowfish with the deep body, dark central stripe and colourful mature males that make \u003cem data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"630\"\u003eMelanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e so popular. This \u003cstrong data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"663\"\u003eBlyth River\u003c\/strong\u003e locality form is especially valued by rainbowfish keepers who want a genuine strain with strong display behaviour and a natural wild-type look. It is a peaceful shoaling fish, but it needs a long, spacious aquarium, clean water and a proper group to show its best colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"959\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"976\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blyth River Banded Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1007\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1026\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blyth River Rainbowfish, Three Stripe Rainbowfish, Banded Rainbowfish, Jewel Rainbowfish, Three-striped Sunfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1141\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1188\"\u003eMelanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e “Blyth River”\u003cbr data-start=\"1202\" data-end=\"1205\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1205\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1249\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1264\" data-end=\"1291\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1747\"\u003eThe wider species, \u003cem data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1337\"\u003eMelanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e, is native to northern Australia, where it occurs in small streams, creeks and waterholes, often in clear to moderately turbid water over rocky, gravelly or vegetated areas with submerged logs and branches. FishBase also records the species from semi-rainforest and open grassland habitats, with seasonal waterholes sometimes containing leaf litter during the dry season. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"2119\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eBlyth River\u003c\/strong\u003e strain comes from the upper Blyth River area in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. AquaGreen records broodstock habitat as a small spring-fed stream, with fish collected from faster, shaded water; dry-season measurements included around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2012\"\u003e27°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2024\"\u003e7.6\u003c\/strong\u003e, carbonate hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2056\"\u003e100 ppm\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003e90 ppm\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2121\" data-end=\"2148\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2149\" data-end=\"2718\"\u003eBlyth River Banded Rainbowfish have a deep, laterally compressed body with a strong dark horizontal stripe running through the middle of the flank. Mature males develop the best colour, often showing metallic body tones with red, orange or yellow highlights in the fins, while females and young fish are usually slimmer and more subdued. Fishes of Australia describes \u003cem data-start=\"2517\" data-end=\"2533\"\u003eM. trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e as a variable species with greenish to bluish upper body tones, a dark midlateral stripe and yellowish to bright red dorsal, anal and caudal fins. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"3034\"\u003eAdults commonly reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2761\"\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with large males becoming deeper-bodied as they mature. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"2834\" data-end=\"2850\"\u003eM. trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e at up to around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2867\" data-end=\"2892\"\u003e12 cm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it should be planned as a medium-sized, active shoaling fish rather than a small community species. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"3036\" data-end=\"3060\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3061\" data-end=\"3384\"\u003eThis is an excellent fish for a larger planted aquarium, Australian-style display or mixed rainbowfish community. It needs open midwater swimming space, good filtration and a layout that allows the group to move freely. Planting around the back and sides works well, especially with clear swimming lanes through the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3386\" data-end=\"3596\"\u003eBlyth River Banded Rainbowfish are too active for small aquariums or cramped aquascapes. They are also not ideal with very shy, slow or delicate fish that may be unsettled by fast feeding and constant movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3627\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3824\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3677\"\u003e240 litres for a group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3720\"\u003e120 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are preferred for adult males, larger shoals or mixed rainbowfish groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3846\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3847\" data-end=\"4362\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3847\" data-end=\"3863\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3874\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3874\" data-end=\"3881\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.8–7.8\u003cbr data-start=\"3889\" data-end=\"3892\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3892\" data-end=\"3905\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard preferred; adaptable if stable\u003cbr data-start=\"3952\" data-end=\"3955\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3976\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide clean, well-oxygenated water with regular water changes and gentle to moderate flow. FishBase gives a broad range of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4102\" data-end=\"4113\"\u003e22–30°C\u003c\/strong\u003e and pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"4121\" data-end=\"4132\"\u003e5.2–7.0\u003c\/strong\u003e for the species, while the Blyth River broodstock locality data records slightly alkaline water at pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"4235\" data-end=\"4242\"\u003e7.6\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Stability and good maintenance are more important than chasing one exact number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4364\" data-end=\"4392\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4432\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4415\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4434\" data-end=\"4729\"\u003eBlyth River Banded Rainbowfish are peaceful, confident shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include other rainbowfish, larger tetras, danios, peaceful barbs, robust rasboras, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, peaceful loaches and calm medium-sized cichlids that enjoy similar water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4731\" data-end=\"5061\"\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very tiny fish and slow, delicate species that may be intimidated at feeding time. Keep in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4873\" data-end=\"4887\"\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4894\" data-end=\"4907\"\u003e8 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e strongly preferred. A mixed-sex group is best, as males usually show stronger colour and more display behaviour when females and rival males are present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"5063\" data-end=\"5074\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5075\" data-end=\"5469\"\u003eBlyth River Banded Rainbowfish are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small granules and rainbowfish pellets as the staple diet, with regular frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and mosquito larvae. Include some vegetable or algae-based foods for balance. Feed small portions that are eaten quickly, as rainbowfish are fast and enthusiastic feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5471\" data-end=\"5500\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5501\" data-end=\"5881\"\u003eThis species spends much of its time in the middle and upper levels, cruising in a loose group. Mature males may intensify their colour, raise their fins and display to one another, especially in the morning, after water changes or when females are nearby. They are active but not usually aggressive, making them best suited to confident community fish with similar energy levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5883\" data-end=\"5897\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5898\" data-end=\"6396\"\u003eKeep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality, strong filtration and a secure lid, as rainbowfish can jump when startled. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as small numbers can become nervous and less colourful. Locality strains such as \u003cstrong data-start=\"6139\" data-end=\"6154\"\u003eBlyth River\u003c\/strong\u003e should not be mixed with other \u003cem data-start=\"6186\" data-end=\"6212\"\u003eMelanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/em\u003e localities if breeding may occur, as this can blur or lose the strain identity. Young fish may arrive with modest colour, but males improve greatly with age, diet and group structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6398\" data-end=\"6417\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6418\" data-end=\"6442\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6444\" data-end=\"6460\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6461\" data-end=\"6533\"\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist rainbowfish strain \/ Captive-bred when available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6535\" data-end=\"6555\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6556\" data-end=\"6751\"\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":43670945857610,"sku":"AG-102678","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43670945890378,"sku":"AG-102679","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43670945923146,"sku":"AG-102680","price":11.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43670945955914,"sku":"AG-102681","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/ThreeStripeRainbowfish-MelanotaeniatrifasciataBlythRiver.jpg?v=1780653143","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/three-stripe-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-trifasciata-blyth-river","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}