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The M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbow (Melanotaenia sahulensis) is a beautiful rainbowfish native to northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. The Moa Island population is especially sought after for its vibrant blue body, golden to yellow highlights and colourful fins. Peaceful, active and hardy, this rainbowfish is an excellent choice for larger community aquariums in homes and offices.
Like other rainbowfish, they are happiest when kept in schools, where their natural behaviour and stunning colours can be fully appreciated.
| Common Name | M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbow, Moa Island Rainbowfish |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia sahulensis |
| Origin | Moa Island, Torres Strait, Australia |
| Adult Size | 10–12 cm |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful and active |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 180 litres |
| Temperature | 24–30°C |
| pH | 6.8–8.0 |
| Hardness | 5–20 dGH |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Moa Island form of Melanotaenia sahulensis is highly regarded for its striking colours. Adults develop a shimmering blue to blue-green body with yellow to golden tones across the flanks and colourful yellow, orange or reddish fins, particularly in mature males.
Males are larger, more colourful and develop a deeper body shape than females, especially during breeding displays.
Healthy fish should have:
Melanotaenia sahulensis naturally occurs in freshwater rivers, lagoons, swamps and streams across northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. The Moa Island population inhabits warm tropical waterways with abundant aquatic vegetation, submerged timber and moderate water movement.
In the aquarium, providing plants, driftwood and open swimming areas closely mimics their natural environment.
Moa Island Rainbowfish require spacious aquariums that allow for constant swimming activity.
Recommended setup:
A long aquarium provides the best swimming space and encourages natural schooling behaviour.
M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbowfish are peaceful, energetic schooling fish that occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.
Keeping them in groups encourages natural interactions, increased confidence and more intense colouration. Males frequently display to one another by extending their fins and intensifying their colours, particularly during breeding periods, although aggression is rarely harmful.
Their lively nature makes them an excellent feature species in larger community aquariums.
These rainbowfish are compatible with many peaceful tropical fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
Suitable tank mates include:
Avoid keeping them with:
M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbowfish are omnivores and readily accept a wide variety of foods.
A balanced diet should include:
Feed once or twice daily, providing only what they can consume within a few minutes.
These rainbowfish thrive in clean, stable water with good oxygenation.
Ideal parameters:
Consistent maintenance and regular water changes are essential for maintaining their health and vibrant colours.
M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbowfish are egg scatterers and breed readily under suitable conditions.
Breeding requirements include:
Females lay adhesive eggs over several days. Adults should be removed after spawning if raising fry, as they may consume the eggs. Fry initially require infusoria before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed foods.
These rainbowfish are hardy and generally resistant to disease when kept in appropriate conditions.
Potential health concerns include:
Providing excellent water quality, a nutritious diet and adequate swimming space will help prevent most health problems.
M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbowfish are an outstanding choice for aquarists seeking a colourful, hardy and active schooling fish for larger freshwater aquariums.
They offer:
With plenty of swimming room, clean warm water and a varied diet, M. Sahulensis Moa Island Rainbowfish will reward you with exceptional colour, lively behaviour and years of enjoyment as one of the highlights of your tropical freshwater aquarium.
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