Goyder River Banded Jewel Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia trifasciata)

Goyder River Banded Jewel Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia trifasciata

Australian fire with metallic precision

The Goyder River Banded Jewel Rainbowfish is one of the most vibrant location variants of Melanotaenia trifasciata. This strain is famous for its intense coloration — electric blues layered over a glowing yellow-to-orange body, often separated by a bold dark lateral band. Mature males develop deeper color saturation and taller dorsal fins, especially when displaying dominance or courting females.

Native to the warm river systems of Northern Australia, this species thrives in clear, well-oxygenated water with steady movement. When kept in proper groups, males will flare and intensify their coloration, creating a dazzling midwater display of shifting metallic blue and fiery orange.

Growing to 4–5 inches, the Goyder River variant offers bold color without massive size, making it ideal for larger community aquariums or Australian biotope setups.

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (75+ gallons recommended for larger schools)

• Group Size: 6 or more strongly recommended

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Flow: Moderate current preferred

• Décor: Open swimming lanes with plants or wood along edges

• Lighting: Moderate to bright (enhances blue and orange contrast)

• Filtration: Strong biological filtration required

• Oxygen: Well-oxygenated water essential

Tank Mates

Best with peaceful to semi-assertive species:

• Other rainbowfish

• Larger tetras

• Peaceful cichlids

• Corydoras

• Non-aggressive catfish

Avoid aggressive predators and fin-nipping species.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate to moderately hard

• Water Quality: Clean and stable conditions essential

Diet

Omnivorous:

• High-quality flakes or pellets

• Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms

• Small insects

• Occasional vegetable matter