Description:

Pioneer River Rainbow fish

The Pioneer River in Queensland, Australia, is home to the Eastern Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida splendida). While there isn’t a specific “Pioneer River Rainbowfish” as a distinct species or subspecies, the Eastern Rainbowfish found in this region is a local variant of this widespread Australian native.

Habitat and Characteristics:

Location: Eastern Rainbowfish (M. splendida splendida) are endemic to tropical rivers east of the Great Dividing Range, from the Torres Strait islands and Cape York Peninsula south to the upper reaches of the Dawson River in Queensland. The Pioneer River falls within this range.

Natural Environment: They typically inhabit the surface of deeper pools in small freshwater streams, and can also be found in lakes and reservoirs. They often form large schools and can tolerate both clear and turbid waters, with or without extensive vegetation.

Appearance: They are highly variable in colour. Males are generally pale bluish-green, greenish-brown to yellowish, with narrow orange to reddish stripes along the scale rows. They often have a distinct mid-lateral stripe and a yellow or orange spot on the gill cover. Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins display bright reddish, yellowish, and orange patterns. Females and juveniles are typically more silvery with translucent or faintly pigmented fins. Males also have longer first dorsal fins and more pointed posterior profiles on their second dorsal and anal fins.

Size: They can reach a maximum size of about 14 cm.

Diet and Behaviour:

Omnivores: Eastern Rainbowfish are omnivores, feeding on filamentous algae, aquatic and terrestrial insects, micro-crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.

Schooling Fish: They are a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least six to encourage natural behaviour, reduce stress, and enhance their vibrant colouration. In smaller numbers, they may become shy, stressed, or aggressive.

Active Swimmers: They are active swimmers and prefer tanks with plenty of open swimming space, along with some cover from plants or other structures.

Aquarium Care (General Rainbowfish Care, applicable to Pioneer River variants):

Tank Size: A minimum of a 90 cm (3-foot) tank is recommended for a small group, but a 120 cm (4-foot) or larger tank will provide ample space for them to thrive.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 2428C (7582F) is generally suitable, although some sources suggest a wider range (24-30C).

pH: 6.5 to 8.0. Stability is more important than chasing a specific pH level.

Hardness: Moderately hard water (5 to 20 dKH or 90-360 ppm).

Filtration: Strong filtration is beneficial as they prefer well-oxygenated water. They also appreciate a mid to strong water current.

Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.

Plants & Decor: Hardy plants like Java fern, Vallisneria, and Anubias, along with driftwood or other structures for cover. Ensure there are open swimming areas.

Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential as rainbowfish are known to jump.

Diet in Aquarium: A balanced and varied diet is crucial. High-quality flake or pellet foods should be supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and spirulina flakes. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily.

Tank Mates: They are peaceful and sociable, making them suitable for community tanks. Good tank mates include other similarly sized, peaceful fish like Corydoras catfish, Bristlenose plecos, Tetras (Rummynose, Lemon, Black Neon), peaceful Gouramis, and Livebearers (Platies, Mollies). Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Breeding:

Spawning: Breeding typically occurs throughout the warmer months in their natural habitat, with multiple spawning events if conditions are favorable. In an aquarium, they can be encouraged to breed in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants like Java moss or a spawning mop.

Eggs: Females lay 60-70 golden-colored, spherical eggs per spawning, which have adhesive filaments and attach to aquatic vegetation.

Hatching: Eggs hatch after about 6-7 days at around 24-29C.

Fry Care: Newly hatched larvae are small (around 4mm) and need very fine foods like infusoria or powdered fry food initially, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow. Regular small water changes are important for fry health.

It’s worth noting that while the Pioneer River has Eastern Rainbowfish, there are ongoing efforts to monitor and restore fish habitat in the river due to impacts from water infrastructure development and altered flow regimes.

Scientific Name: Melanotaenia splendida splendida

Origin: Pioneer RiverQueensland

• Grows to: 14cm
• Temperature: 2428C
• pH: 6.5 to 8.0.
• Temperament: Peaceful

Feeding:

• Omnivore