Goldie River Rainbowfish

'Mayon River at Timika'

Goldie River Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia goldiei)

A robust and attractive freshwater rainbowfish widespread across the rivers, swamps, backwaters, and tributary streams of New Guinea. Popular in the aquarium trade for its size, hardiness, and the vibrant colors that develop in males.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: 11.5 cm / ~4.5 inches SL (males larger).
• Appearance: Sleek, fusiform body. Males display beautiful iridescent blue to greenish tones with a dark midlateral stripe, orange/red accents in the fins, and an elongated first dorsal fin that overlaps the second dorsal fin. Females are slimmer with more subdued silvery to pale golden hues.
• Fin Details: Dorsal spines 6–7, dorsal soft rays 12–17; anal spines 1, anal soft rays 21–26.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a small school (6 or more recommended for best coloration and natural behavior).
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 77–82°F (25–28°C), pH 7.0–7.8, moderate hardness.
• Diet: Omnivorous — readily accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
• Behavior: Peaceful, active mid-to-upper water column schooling fish. Excellent for larger planted community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive companions. Provide a tight-fitting lid as they are known to jump.

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Add iridescent blues, orange accents, and lively schooling action to your aquarium with the beautiful Goldie River Rainbowfish!