Red Laser Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia rubrovittata Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Red Laser Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia rubrovittata) showcases its splendour in aquariums, but its care requires a touch of experience and attention. While not overly demanding, these captivating fish are best suited for seasoned aquarists who can provide the optimal conditions to ensure their well-being.
To fully appreciate the vibrant colours and lively behaviour of the Red Laser Rainbowfish, keeping a group of at least six individuals is recommended. Within the presence of their own kind, the males are inspired to exhibit their most captivating hues, creating a visual spectacle within the aquarium.
These peaceable creatures are generally compatible with various species and are known for their gentle nature towards aquatic plants, making them an excellent choice for a harmonious community aquarium. However, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid housing them with larger, more boisterous fish, as this could potentially cause stress for the Rainbowfish.
Crafting an ideal environment for the Red Laser Rainbowfish entails a tank size of at least 3 feet or larger, allowing ample room for their active nature. In addition, aquascaped plants and strategically placed bogwood provide a plethora of hiding spots, encouraging the fish to explore their surroundings.
It is advisable to leave the central area of the aquarium open, providing unrestricted swimming space for the Rainbowfish. To create a visually pleasing and natural atmosphere, the use of floating plants can diffuse intense lighting and enhance the overall aesthetics of the setup. Due to their inclination to jump, it is paramount to ensure the tank is securely covered to prevent any unintentional escapes.
By adhering to these recommendations, aquarists can create an enchanting aquatic habitat where the beauty and grace of the Red Laser Rainbowfish can be truly admired.
The male Red Laser Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) boasts a captivating combination of hues and patterns. The dorsal region of the head exhibits a greyish tone, while the cheek and operculum shimmer in a silvery blue shade. The upper two-thirds of the body mesmerizes with a brilliant neon blue colour adorned by five vibrant red stripes. Transitioning to the ventral portion, the head and body radiate a silvery white to blue appearance, accompanied by a delicate hint of pinkish hue. The first dorsal fin presents a striking blue hue.
Further intricacies adorn this remarkable fish. The second dorsal fin showcases a beautiful blue colouration, featuring a red basal stripe and a broad red zone encompassing the fin's outer margin and posterior portion. The anal fin captivates with its bluish hue, complemented by a red basal stripe and a red outer margin. The caudal fin exhibits a remarkable colour gradient, transitioning from a vivid red shade to a bluish or translucent hue along the posterior margin.
The pelvic fins range from bluish to translucent, adorned with a red anterior margin and a reddish posterior tip. Completing this captivating ensemble, the pectoral fins exude a translucent appearance.
The male Red Laser Rainbowfish possesses an additional enchanting feature during the nuptial display. They have the remarkable ability to "switch on" a resplendent golden-orange mid-dorsal stripe, extending from the origin of the dorsal fin all the way to the tip of the snout. This exquisite adornment adds to the allure of these already captivating creatures.
In contrast, the females of the Red Laser Rainbowfish share a similar overall colour pattern to the males. However, their appearance tends to be more subdued and lacking the vibrant red markings on the fins. The second dorsal and anal fins, distinguished by blue outer margins, contribute to the female's more understated elegance.
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Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning the sex of the Red Laser Rainbowfish is a relatively simple undertaking. Distinctive characteristics set the males apart from their female counterparts, enabling an easy differentiation based on size, colouration, and body shape as they reach maturity.
Males of the species exhibit a larger size compared to females, showcasing their evolutionary development. Moreover, their colouration is notably more vibrant and captivating, encompassing a remarkable display of vivid hues. Additionally, as these Rainbowfish mature, males display a pronounced increase in body depth, further setting them apart from females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia rubrovittata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2015 |
| Other Names | Wapoga Red Laser |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Melanotaenia |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Approx Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| ℉ | 80 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 27 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
The exclusive habitat of the Red Laser Rainbowfish is confined to a small pond nestled within the Wapoga River system near Siewa in Indonesia. This significant locale was once home to a Freeport Mining Company exploration camp. This secluded site lies approximately 100 km northeast of Nabire, a substantial town along Cenderawasih Bay's periphery.
The precise type locality of these exquisite fish can be traced approximately 130 km upstream within the Wapoga system. Nestled at an elevation of roughly 70 m, this location rests upon the fringes of a sprawling floodplain flanked by nearby foothills. The substrate of this distinctive habitat primarily consists of soft mud enveloped by an assortment of organic debris, predominantly comprising fallen leaves.
Breeding
Breeding the Red Laser Rainbowfish is a carefully orchestrated process that requires meticulous attention and dedication to ensure successful fry rearing.
To commence the breeding journey, a dedicated breeding tank should be prepared and densely planted with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The water temperature should be raised slightly above the average, creating an environment that mimics the conditions preferred by the species. Maintaining slightly hard water with some alkalinity will further support the breeding process. Introducing a small air-powered filter will promote adequate water flow and oxygenation within the breeding tank.
Before initiating breeding, it is crucial to condition the fish for at least two weeks with protein-rich frozen or live foods. This nutritional regimen stimulates their reproductive cycles, preparing them for the breeding season. As the breeding period nears, males will exhibit courtship behaviours, while females will develop a plumper appearance, indicating their readiness to spawn.
Selecting the healthiest and most vibrant individuals, these chosen specimens should be carefully transferred to the designated breeding tank, initiating the spawning process. The male will guide the female to a suitable spawning site, where she will deposit clusters of eggs that the male will diligently fertilize. This spawning activity will persist until the female has exhausted all her eggs, forming multiple egg clusters.
To safeguard the developing eggs from potential predation by the parents, it is advisable to remove the eggs from the breeding tank on a daily basis and transfer them to a separate grow-out tank. This precautionary measure ensures the preservation and undisturbed development of the eggs.
After approximately seven to ten days, the eggs will hatch into fry, marking an exciting milestone in the breeding process. The newly hatched fry will initially require nourishment from tiny invertebrates for about a week until they reach a stage where they can consume more substantial food sources, such as brine shrimp or nauplii.
Diet & Feeding
The Red Laser Rainbowfish exhibit an adaptable palate, and their feeding preferences are flexible. However, for optimal health and well-being, it is recommended to incorporate high-quality micropellets, flakes, granules, and green flakes as the primary sources of their diet. Additionally, frequent feedings of frozen or freeze-dried food, such as bloodworm, daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and tubifex, will contribute to the fish's overall health and enhance their vibrant colouration.
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Published: 31 May 2023
Last Updated: 31 May 2023