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Banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia trifasciata) — Melanotaeniidae

Banded rainbowfish

Melanotaenia trifasciata
LC · Least Concern

The Banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia trifasciata) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

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.

Where does the Banded rainbowfish live?

The Banded rainbowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

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.

Is the Banded rainbowfish edible?

The Banded rainbowfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Driestreep-regenboogvis sourced
English name
Banded rainbowfish verified
Scientific name
Melanotaenia trifasciata
Family
Melanotaeniidae
Other names
Goyder river rainbowfish; Jewel Rainbow Fish; Striped sunfish; Three-banded sun-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Average length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Melanotaenia

More from the family Melanotaeniidae

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