Fin's Fish Guide
Banded rainbowfish
The Banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia trifasciata) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The banded rainbowfish is a rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) from northern Australia. The species has a deep, laterally compressed body that can shine handsomely blue, yellow and red, with a conspicuous dark lengthwise stripe over the flank. It lives mainly in small streams and waterholes with clear to slightly turbid water, over rocky or gravel bottoms. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. It lives in schools. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded rainbowfish?
The Banded rainbowfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Beautifully iridescent blue-yellow-red with a dark longitudinal stripe; schooling rainbowfish from northern Australia.
Where does the Banded rainbowfish live?
The Banded rainbowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern Australia; small streams and water pools.
How big does the Banded rainbowfish get?
The Banded rainbowfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Banded rainbowfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded rainbowfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded rainbowfish edible?
The Banded rainbowfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Melanotaenia
More from the family Melanotaeniidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded rainbowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded rainbowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.