Australian Rainbows

[bluostrich00]

i got three Australian rainbows in a ten gallon uhm but since im getting a 55 gal so its freeing up one of my tanks now either im gonna move my aussies into the twenty gal and add three more or would it be better to make my twenty gal a South american cichlid or a new home for my aussies

 

[minxfishy]

The rainbows would need to be in the 55g, especially if you add 3 more, which you should as they prefer to be in larger number, they can reach 5" although usually more like 4" and do require a good amount of swimming space. I would certainly move them asap from the 10g as this is far too small for them and will be stressing them out to be so confined.

Can you confirm the species you are referring to, are you meaning Dwarf Neon rainbows (praecox) or M.Lacustris aka Lake Kutubu/blue/turquoise/australian rainbows so we know which species you are referring to as they grow to different sizes, thanks.

 

[bluostrich00]

the species i belive them to be are Melanotaenia australis

 

[minxfishy]

Ok thanks, shouldnt get any bigger than about 4" then, still think a 30g minimum for the 3 and 55g if you do indeed add to their numbers, as I said they will require alot of swimming space.

Can I ask what else you will be housing them with?

You may find this link helpful in definate identification and some more information on them: http/members.optushome.com.au/rainbowfishes/Australis.htm

 

[loachman]

The 55 would be a better long term home for them.

I believe the fish commonly sold as "Australian Rainbows" are M. splendida. In terms of care/size/etc, it really doesn't matter though. Basically all the rainbows do well in standard tank water parameters, eat anything, and grow to about 5".

 

[bluostrich00]

The 55 would be a better long term home for them.

I believe the fish commonly sold as "Australian Rainbows" are M. splendida. In terms of care/size/etc, it really doesn't matter though. Basically all the rainbows do well in standard tank water parameters, eat anything, and grow to about 5".

actually your right with further examination and research they are M. Splendida....thanks but what i found out here i think the best bet is for my to sell my rainbows ....im in MN if any ones looking lol

 

[drobbyb]

The 55 would be a better long term home for them.

I believe the fish commonly sold as "Australian Rainbows" are M. splendida. In terms of care/size/etc, it really doesn't matter though. Basically all the rainbows do well in standard tank water parameters, eat anything, and grow to about 5".

Actually, rainbows really shouldn't be kept the same way as other fish. They need clean water and lots of vegetable matter in their diet. "Austrailian" rainbows are typicailly M. Splendida hybrids. There are several species known as M. Splendida so the emphasis should be put on the second surrname (although it's missing in this example.)