Chequered Rainbowfish

Introduction

The Chequered Rainbowfish is a lesser-known yet striking freshwater fish featuring a checkerboard pattern of dark and light patches across its shimmering body. Native to Papua New Guinea, it’s a peaceful and active swimmer, ideal for planted community aquariums.

Scientific Name

Melanotaenia splendida inornata

Common Name

• Chequered Rainbowfish

• Inornate Rainbowfish

Water Quality and Temperature

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

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5 – 15 dGH)

• Prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle current

Feeding

• Omnivore

• Diet includes:

  • High-quality pellets

  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia

  • Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes

Tank Mates

• Peaceful community fish

• Compatible with:

  • Tetras

  • Rasboras

  • Corydoras

  • Other peaceful rainbowfish

• Avoid aggressive or overly large tank mates

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Sandy or fine gravel substrate

• Provide driftwood, rocks, and open swimming space

• Dense plants at the back and sides for shelter and breeding

Suitable Plants

• Java Fern

• Anubias

• Vallisneria

• Hornwort

• Amazon Sword

Sexing

• Males are more vibrantly colored and slightly larger

• Females are more subdued in color and rounder-bodied

Breeding

• Egg scatterers

• Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

• Males display vivid colors and courtship dances

• Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation

• Eggs hatch in about 7–10 days

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Maximum Size: Up to 8 cm (3.2 inches)

• Lifespan: 4 – 6 years in captivity with proper care

General Information

The Chequered Rainbowfish thrives in groups of 6 or more and shows the best coloration and behavior in a planted, well-maintained tank. They are quick, active swimmers that benefit from horizontal tank space.

A Fun Fact

Despite its understated name inornata (meaning “unadorned”), the Chequered Rainbowfish boasts an attractive, shimmering pattern—especially under aquarium lighting, making it a hidden gem in the rainbowfish family!