Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Banded Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia trifasciata (Rendahl, 1922)

Also called Jewel rainbowfish, Goyder River rainbowfish, Regal rainbowfish, Three-striped sunfish

SpeciesShort profile

From Northern Australia: Northern Territory (Arnhem Land) and northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula), in streams, waterholes, lagoons and rivers.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length12 to 15 cm1 2 3

Sizemedium

Standard length: FishBase 13 cm, Seriously Fish 15 cm, Wikipedia 12-15 cm; typical size around 8 cm

Large, colourful and showy

Very peaceful in a community of similar-sized fish

Easy to keep and unfussy about food

2 1

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, deep-bodied rainbowfish

A deep-bodied rainbowfish, often more than a third as deep as it is long, with a dark band running along the middle of the side and red or yellow fins. Males are bigger, deeper and brighter, with longer dorsal and anal fins. Colour differs a lot depending on which river the fish came from.3 2

ColoursDark mid-lateral bandRed finsYellow finsMany locality colour forms (e.g. Goyder River)3 2

Personality what they are like

A calm, very peaceful shoaling fish. Males display to each other by swimming side by side with fins spread, which is a normal part of their social life.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Lively and fast; it uses the full length of the tank and appreciates open swimming space.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep a tight lid because it can jump. Keep each locality form separately, since different forms crossbreed easily. Adult colour takes 12 months or more to develop.3 2

Home where they are happiest

Minimum tank about 120 x 30 x 30 cm (around 108 litres). Temperature about 24-30 °C, pH 6.5-8.0, hardness 8-20 dGH. Dense planting, submerged wood and open swimming room work well.2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. In nature it eats aquatic insects, small crustaceans, algae and insects that fall into the water. In the aquarium it takes dried, frozen and live foods; live food brings out the best colour.3 2

Company who they like around

Keep at least 6-8, ideally more; a bigger group gives better colour and display behaviour.2

The story where it all began

Hialmar Rendahl described it in 1922. Its name means 'three-banded', but that pattern came from how the original preserved specimen changed colour, not from how the living fish looks.3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The 'three bands' in its scientific name were an artefact of a preserved museum specimen; living fish show a single dark side band.3
2
Aquarists often name the colour forms after the river where they were collected, such as the Goyder River form.2
3
A female can lay 200-500 sticky eggs, which hatch after about a week.3
4
It can cope with partly stagnant pools and leaf-litter bottoms during the dry season.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed February 2019)1
Taxonomy: Family Melanotaeniidae; described by Rendahl in 19221

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Banded Rainbowfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Banded Rainbowfish?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This matches their omnivore needs and keeps water quality stable.2 3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Banded Rainbowfish eat, and what should it never eat?

They are omnivores and enjoy dried, frozen, and live foods; live food brings out their best colour. Avoid any food that is not suitable for fish, and always check with your vet for specific concerns.2 3

How much space does a Banded Rainbowfish need?

A minimum tank of about 120 x 30 x 30 cm (around 108 litres) is recommended. They are lively and use the full length of the tank, so open swimming space is important.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Banded Rainbowfish need?

Keep the water temperature between 24-30 °C, pH 6.5-8.0, and hardness 8-20 dGH. Dense planting and submerged wood with open swimming room work well, and a tight lid is needed as they can jump.2 3 1

How often should I clean a Banded Rainbowfish's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular water testing each week also helps keep them healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Banded Rainbowfish live with others?

Yes, they are calm and very peaceful shoaling fish. Keep at least 6-8, ideally more, as a bigger group gives better colour and display behaviour.2 3

How long does a Banded Rainbowfish live?

Their lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific details, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Banded Rainbowfish?

It's best not to handle them as they are delicate and can be stressed. They are lively swimmers and appreciate being observed in their tank.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Turquoise Rainbowfish

Boeseman's Rainbowfish

Murray River Rainbowfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Melanotaenia trifasciata, Banded rainbowfish fishbase.seused for author and year, distribution, max length, water ranges, IUCN status, habitat
Seriously Fish: Melanotaenia trifasciata (Banded Rainbowfish) seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, group size, dimorphism, locality forms
Wikipedia: Banded rainbowfish en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history and name origin, description, diet, breeding facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.