Checkered Mary River Rainbowfish

Introduction

The Checkered Mary River Rainbowfish is a vibrant and eye-catching species, known for its beautiful coloration and peaceful nature. Native to the Mary River system in Queensland, Australia, this species thrives in freshwater aquariums where it can showcase its colorful scales. It is an excellent addition to community tanks, particularly for aquarists interested in maintaining a vibrant, peaceful aquatic environment.

Scientific Name

Melanotaenia eachamensis

Common Name

Checkered Mary River Rainbowfish, Mary River Rainbowfish

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH

• Water Quality: Prefers well-filtered, clean water with stable parameters. Moderate water movement is beneficial for this species.

Feeding

• Omnivorous and will readily accept a variety of foods

• Diet Includes:

  • High-quality flakes food

  • Pellets

  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms

  • Small vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched spinach

• A varied diet helps to maintain their vibrant colors and overall health.

Tank Mates

• Peaceful and calm, making them an excellent choice for community tanks

• Compatible with small to medium-sized peaceful species such as:

  • Tetras

  • Rasboras

  • Gouramis

  • Corydoras

  • Shrimp and snails

• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that may stress them.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Soft, sandy substrate is ideal to replicate their natural environment

• They enjoy having plenty of open swimming space but also benefit from plants for hiding and grazing

• Provide driftwood, rocks, and dense plant growth, especially around the perimeter of the tank, to simulate their natural habitat in the wild

• A good filtration system is essential for maintaining water quality

Suitable Plants

• Java Fern

• Anubias

• Amazon Sword

• Cryptocoryne species

• Floating plants to help provide shade and shelter

Sexing

• Males are typically more colorful and larger than females, exhibiting brighter hues and a slightly more elongated body shape

• During breeding, males may display more intense colors to attract females.

Breeding

• Breeding in a well-maintained aquarium can be achieved, although not commonly done in captivity

• Males court females by displaying their vibrant colors and swimming in circles

• Eggs are scattered among plants, and the parents should be removed to avoid predation on the eggs

• Fry hatch in about 1-2 weeks and should be fed infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp until they are large enough for more substantial food.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Maximum Size: Around 6 cm (2.4 inches)

• Lifespan: 5 – 8 years with proper care

General Information

The Checkered Mary River Rainbowfish is a peaceful and hardy fish, perfect for a community aquarium. Its striking appearance and active swimming behavior make it a favorite among hobbyists. They do well in both smaller and larger tanks as long as their environment is stable and their needs are met.

A Fun Fact

The Checkered Mary River Rainbowfish’s shimmering colors aren’t just for show—these vibrant hues help them blend in with the natural, colorful habitats they come from, which include freshwater rivers with lush vegetation and clear waters.