Melanotaenia maccullochi "Stark River"

Remarks: Melanotaenia maccullochi "Stark River" is one of the many localities of the widespread and colorful Macculloch's rainbowfish. They shine with metallic blue and gold iridescence accented by red finnage in males. M. maccullochi "Stark River" are often incorrectly called "Starche Creek" with Professor Peter J. Unmack, a leading expert on Australian freshwater fishes, confirming Stark River to be the correct location. Macculloch's rainbowfish (Melanotaenia maccullochi) is a smaller Melanotaenia species that exhibits many horizontal stripes throughout the body. They are found throughout southern New Guinea and the northeastern peninsula of Australia. The variants may be subspecies or entirely new species. Some variants, such as the Skull Creek variant (M. sahulensis), have already been identified as a separate species. These fish are omnivorous and should be fed a quality flake food with supplemental proteins such as baby brine shrimp. They require clean water but tolerate a wide variety of water parameters. By providing frequent water changes, you will be rewarded with nearly continuous spawning attempts. Melanotaenia species deposit eggs in weedy areas (often mimicked by a yarn mop) and the eggs hatch 7-10 days later. Eggs can be harvested for hatching in separate tanks to avoid predation. Most Rainbows show their best colors at sunrise, when the males display their bright fins for potential mates. Having more females than males will allow for proper color displays and avoid any unwanted aggression towards lone females.