Home

/

Fish species

/

Eastern Rainbowfish

Eastern Rainbowfish

Origin

🇦🇺

Australia

Habitat Size

50-150 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

24º-28ºC

Cost in India

₹80 - ₹150

Size

2 - 6 inches (Small)

Diet

Omnivore

Iridescent silver fish with yellow fins swims right over colorful pebbles
written by image

by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025

The Eastern Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida splendida) is a stunning Australian freshwater aquarium fish. With its shimmering green, blue, and golden metallic colour, it is a robust but colourful member for community aquariums. Schooling habits in school creates an amazing coloured and vivid spectacle.

Origin of the Eastern Rainbowfish

The Eastern Rainbowfish prefer living in the streams and rivers of Queensland, Australia. The fish dwell in clear, well-oxygenated water with extensive aquatic vegetative cover. The fish in the natural habitat feed on small insects, algae, and vegetation, and the caretakers should try to provide the same resource in the home aquarium for the maximum possible well-being.

Temperament of the Eastern Rainbowfish

They are friendly, social, and active and should be kept in a minimum of six or more schools. The males will color up during courting and chasing from time to time but never, ever aggressive. They are ideal with continuous swimming and plenty of activity to be maintained in big set-ups within communities.

Eastern Rainbowfish Compatibility with Other Fish

Eastern Rainbowfish would be an ideal addition to other non-aggressive fish such as:

  1. Tetras, rasboras, danios
  2. Other rainbowfish species
  3. Small loaches and Corydoras catfish
  4. Peaceful gouramis

Don't keep them with:

  1. Aggressive cichlids
  2. Predatory large fish
  3. Fin-nipping resident fish

Price Range of the Eastern Rainbowfish

Eastern Rainbowfish are moderately priced, ranging from ₹400–₹1,200 ($5–$15) based on size, sex, and color. Better-colored males are more expensive.

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

about image

Habitat Requirements of the Eastern Rainbowfish

Initial Setup Cost

₹4,000 - ₹12,000

Water Temperature

24º -28ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6.5 - 8

Tank Setup

  1. Minimum capacity: 40 gallons
  2. Recommended: 55+ gallons per group
  3. Arrangement: open swimming areas with planted backgrounds

Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 23–28°C (74–82°F)
  2. pH level: 6.5–8.0
  3. Water hardness: 8–15 dGH

Environmental Requirements

  1. Substrate: small gravel or sand
  2. Plants: floating plants, Vallisneria, Java fern
  3. Decor: caves, driftwood shelter
  4. Lighting: moderate to reflect their iridescent color

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Nutritional Guide to Eastern Rainbowfish

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹80 - ₹ 150

The Eastern Rainbowfish are omnivores and must be fed a mixture of foods:

  1. Staple: flakes or pellets of good quality
  2. Protein: bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp
  3. Vegetables: Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, zucchini

Tips on feeding:

  1. Feed them 2–3 times a day but in moderation
  2. Alternate between protein food and vegetable food for an equilibrated diet
  3. Dump excess food to allow clean water
about image

Health & Care of the Eastern Rainbowfish

Common Health Issues

Fin rot

White spot / ick

Fungus

Columnaris (cotton wool-like growth on the skin)

Swim bladder disease

Velvet disease (yellowish-brown spots on the skin)

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

Dull coloring

Tattered fins

Eastern Rainbowfish Common Diseases

Dropsy

Bacterial disease and organ failure disease.

  1. Signs: Bloated body, puffed pinecone-shaped scales, lethargy
  2. Treatment: Treat sick fish, use antibacterial, improve quality of water, and supply a high-fiber diet.

Eye Cloud (Cloudy Eye Disease)

Typically caused by poor water or body trauma.

  1. Signs: Whitish or cloudy eyes, poor eyesight, sluggish movement
  2. Cure: Improved water quality, aquarium salt, and antibiotics for infection

Lymphocystis (Viral Disease)

A virus that causes cauliflower-like tumors on the fins or body.

  1. Symptoms: Delicate white or pale pale pinkish pale nodules on skin and fins
  2. Cure: Not curable; usually self-limiting. Attempt best water conditions, reduction of stress, and quarantine heavily infected fish if need be

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

written by image

Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

Our cont
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Eastern Rainbowfish eat?

They are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet of high-quality flakes, live or frozen foods, and vegetable matter.

How can I tell if my Eastern Rainbowfish is healthy?

A healthy Eastern Rainbowfish will be active, have bright coloration, and display a good appetite.

Can Eastern Rainbowfish be kept with other fish?

Yes, they are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive fish species.