The banded rainbowfish can be found in a variety of different colors depending on geography, water conditions and diet. The male is larger and more brightly colored than the female.
  • Size

    3.1 inches (8 cm)
  • Diet

    Aquatic insects, algae, plant material
  • Range

    Australia
  • Habitat

    Well-vegetated areas and may contain rocks, gravel, leaves, and mud

Physical Characteristics

  • Coloration varies widely based on geography, water conditions and diet.
  • Coloration is typically silver to blue-green on the sides of the body, with a lighter silver color on the lower portion of the body and a black stripe. Fins are typically dull or bright orange-red.
  • Males are larger and more brightly colored than females and develop longer dorsal and anal fins.
  • Common length of 3.1 inches (8 cm). Maximum length of 5.1 inches (13 cm).

Animal Fact

The banded rainbowfish is an aseasonal breeding species that breeds continuously throughout the year.

Diet / Feeding

  • Omnivorous species.
  • Diet consists of aquatic insects, algae and plant material.
  • Benthopelagic; feeds near the bottom, midwaters and at the surface of the water.
  • Juveniles also feed on zooplankton.

Range / Habitat

  • Occurs in freshwater habitats in northern Australia, from the Northern Territory to Queensland.
  • Found mainly in streams or water holes at depths up to 6.6 feet (20 m).
  • Habitat is usually well-vegetated and may contain rocks, gravel, leaves and mud.

Reproduction & Growth

  • An oviparous, or egg-laying species.
  • Female attaches eggs to aquatic plants using adhesive threads or tendrils.
  • An aseasonal breeding species that breed continuously throughout the year.

Conservation Status

  • “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Sources

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