The three-striped rainbow is a guest from distant Australia. Northern iris - melanotenia affinis
The homeland of the three-striped iris is the water bodies of northern Australia.. Fish stay in schools near the surface of the water near underwater vegetation or branches of bushes and trees descending to the surface, which are not only shelter for them, but also a source of food (they collect insects that have fallen from the branches). Of all the irises, it is the most beautiful and bright fish.
The three-striped iris has a tall body, slightly elongated in length and compressed at the sides. The dorsal fin is divided into two parts: the first is short; the second, like the anal fin, is long. Body color largely depends on the habitat of the fish and its origin. Its colors include golden, yellow, red, green, black and azure, and each tone can constantly vary. In bright light, the scales of the fish shimmer with a metallic sheen. There are three stripes on the sides (hence the name three-stripe). The middle stripe begins at the mouth, passes through the eye and ends at the end of the caudal peduncle. The upper (less noticeable) and lower ones run parallel to it. The fins can be brick scarlet or yellow-orange. Sexual differences: male - has a large hump on the back and chest at the level of the gill covers, the end of the first dorsal fin is pointed; the female is fuller and less brightly colored. In natural conditions, the three-striped iris can reach 18 cm; in an aquarium it grows up to 10 cm.
Three-striped rainbowfish is a very active fish. To maintain it, you need a closed aquarium (covered either with a lid or glass so that the fish do not jump out) with a length of at least 70 cm. When decorating an aquarium, you should not use decorative items with sharp edges (the fish may get hurt when swimming quickly). It is better to use shallow soil. The aquarium is planted with thickets of small-leaved plants while leaving free space for swimming. It is advisable to keep three-striped iris in a school of at least 5-6 fish. Neighbors may be different species of fish of similar size. Water parameters for maintenance: hardness 2-16°, pH 6.0-7.8, temperature 22 - 25°C. Constant filtration, strong aeration and weekly changes of up to 30% of the water volume are required.
Three-striped rainbowfish fed with live food: bloodworms, coretra, tubifex, seafood (squid fillet, blue whiting, shrimp roe), substitutes. Vegetable food must be given periodically. They love to eat duckweed in the aquarium (at first they look closely at it, and then eat it all). Under natural conditions, they feed on insects, small aquatic crustaceans, larvae, algae, pollen and various seeds.
Spawning of the three-lane rainbowfish can take place both in general and in a separate aquarium with a length of at least 60 cm without soil and a water level of 35 cm. Water characteristics: hardness 2-16°, pH 6.0-7.8, temperature 25 - 28°C. The substrate is small-leaved plants or a skein of fishing line. The brightest and most well-fed fish are selected for breeding. The stimulus for spawning is an increase in temperature by 2 degrees and frequent changes of water. For a week, the breeders are kept separately and fed generously with live food. The female three-striped iris lays eggs from 1 to 1.5 months, laying them on the substrate in small portions. Fertility is from 200 to 1000 transparent eggs. If the productivity of the female has decreased, it is necessary to place the breeders in a common aquarium for 15-20 days to gain strength. Every five days, the substrate with eggs is carefully transferred into a jar (so as not to damage the eggs) into an incubator with a water level of no more than 15 cm and the same parameters as in the spawning tank. After 5-7 days, the fry of the three-striped iris begin to feed. Starter food: live dust. At the age of one month they begin to acquire bright colors.
The three-striped iris reaches sexual maturity at the age of 6 months to 1 year. and depends on the conditions of keeping and feeding the fish.
Three-striped iris or three-striped melanotenia (lat. Melanotaenia trifasciata) is one of the brightest fish in the family. This is a small fish that lives in the rivers of Australia and is distinguished from other irises by the presence of dark stripes on its body.
The three-striped dog embodies all the positive features of the family: it is brightly colored, easy to keep, and very active.
A school of these active but peaceful fish can paint even a very large aquarium with bright colors.
In addition, it is well suited for beginners, as it can tolerate different water parameters.
Unfortunately, adult specimens of this iris are rarely found on sale, and the available juveniles look rather pale. But don't be upset!
A little time and care and she will appear before you in all her glory. With regular water changes, good feeding and the presence of females, the males will soon become colorful.
Melanothenia three-stripe was first described by Randall in 1922. It lives in Australia, mainly in the northern part.
Its habitats are very limited: Melville, Marie River, Arnhem Land, and Groote Island. As a rule, they live in streams and lakes abundantly overgrown with plants, gathering in flocks, like other representatives.
But they are also found in rivers, swamps, even drying up puddles during the dry season. The soil in such places is rocky, covered with fallen leaves.
Description
Three-striped grow about 12 cm and can live from 3 to 5 years. Typical body structure: laterally compressed, with a high back and a narrow head.
Each river system in which three-striped rainbowfish live gives them a different coloration.
But, as a rule, they are bright red, with various tints along the body and a black stripe in the middle.
Difficulty in content
In nature, three-stripe melanotenias have to adapt to different conditions in order to survive.
Which gives them an advantage when kept in an aquarium. They tolerate different conditions well and are resistant to diseases.
Feeding
Omnivores, in nature they feed variedly, the diet includes insects, plants, small crustaceans and fry. The aquarium can be fed with both artificial and live food.
It is better to combine different types of food, since body color largely depends on the food. They hardly take food from the bottom, so it is important not to overfeed and keep the catfish.
In addition to live food, it is advisable to add plant food, such as lettuce, or food containing spirulina.
Aquarium with various irises:
They jump well and the aquarium needs to be covered tightly.
Three-banded fish are quite unpretentious to water parameters and care, but not to the content of ammonia and nitrates in the water. It is advisable to use an external filter, since they love the flow and do not need to reduce it.
You can observe how a flock stands opposite the current and even tries to fight it.
Water parameters for keeping: temperature 23-26C, ph: 6.5-8.0, 8 - 25 dGH.
Compatibility
Melanothenia three-striped gets along well with fish of equal size in a spacious aquarium. Although they are not aggressive, they will frighten overly timid fish with their activity.
They get along well with fast fish like, or. You may notice that skirmishes occur between rainbowfish, but as a rule they are harmless, fish rarely hurt each other, especially if they are kept in a school and not in pairs.
But still make sure that individual fish are not chased, and that they have somewhere to hide.
This is a schooling fish and the ratio of males to females is very important to avoid fights.
Although it is possible to keep fish of only one sex in an aquarium, they will be significantly more colorful if males and females are kept together. You can navigate by something like this:
- 5 three stripes - same gender
- 6 three stripes - 3 males + 3 females
- 7 three stripes - 3 males + 4 females
- 8 three stripes - 3 males + 5 females
- 9 three stripes - 4 males + 5 females
- 10 three stripes - 5 males + 5 females
Sex differences
It is quite difficult to distinguish a female from a male, especially in adolescents, and most often they are sold as fry.
Mature males are more brightly colored, with a more humped back, and more aggressive behavior.
Breeding
In the spawning tank, it is advisable to install an internal filter and put a lot of plants with small leaves, or synthetic thread, such as a washcloth.
Reproduction of three-striped iris is active and is pre-fed abundantly with live food, with the addition of plant foods.
In this way, you simulate the onset of the rainy season, which is accompanied by a plentiful diet. So the feed should be more than usual and of higher quality.
A couple of fish are placed in the spawning tank; after the female is ready to spawn, the male mates with her and fertilizes the eggs.
The pair lays eggs over several days, with each spawning process increasing the number of eggs. Breeders should be removed if the number of eggs begins to decrease or they show signs of exhaustion.
The fry hatch after a few days and are started on ciliates and liquid fry food until they eat microworms or brine shrimp nauplii.
However, raising fry can be quite difficult. The problem is interspecific crossing; in nature, they do not cross with similar species.
However, in the aquarium, different types of iris interbreed with each other with unpredictable results.
Often such fry lose the bright colors of their parents. Since these are quite rare species, it is advisable to keep different types of iris separately.
Post navigationThe favorite fish of domestic aquarists is the melanotenia or three-striped iris (Melanotaenia trifasciata), native to the far north of Australia. It lives in rivers and streams with rocky bottoms, which partially dry up during the hot season. Favorite places for shelter are snags, roots, and dense underwater thickets of aquatic vegetation.
Its scientific name is Melanotaenia trifasciata, based on its behavioral style: a schooling, peaceful fish, which gained popularity due to its unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention. The peculiarity is that in small and medium-sized aquariums it is colored fadedly, unnoticeably, and only with a sufficient volume of water and a variety of food does it acquire a bright, spectacular appearance. You should not place objects with sharp edges in close proximity: a nimble fish can get hurt by them.
Description and color
The laterally compressed, flat body is crowned by 2 dorsal, weakly expressed fins of bright orange color, the back is curved, the eyes are large for its size, with good care it can reach 10 - 12 cm. The color is iridescent, golden, red, purple and green shades predominate, scales has a metallic sheen. It is named three-stripe because of the horizontal stripes running from head to tail, which are blue in color. The central one is more pronounced than the other 2.
Nutrition
Almost omnivorous. Under natural conditions, the main food is small crustaceans, insects, and plants. To obtain bright and juicy coloring and significant size, it is recommended to diversify the diet and include live or frozen food.
Content Options
Water temperature - 22 −25 degrees C.
Acid values – 6.5 – 8.5 (pH)
Permissible hardness - 8 - 25 (dH)
Favorable conditions
For a flock of 4 - 5 fish, you can use a 120 liter aquarium. If you want to admire melanotenia in its full glory, then you should increase the capacity to 200 liters and keep a larger number of individuals, equally females and males, which will give them a brighter color. Decorate with stones, plant plants, but leave enough space for free floating. Organize a weak water flow and circulation with aeration.
Several hours a day requires direct sunlight, or artificial light during the day. The fish tend to jump when playing, so make sure you cover the top of the aquarium.
They lead a peaceful lifestyle and are compatible with large, active, low-aggressive fish.
Gender Differences
Males are brighter colored, larger, and the back has a steeper curve.
Breeding
The pair is placed in a separate container at least 60 cm in length, circulation is created in the water, the hardness is slightly higher
usual, alkalize. They are fed well and variedly with live food. Spawning occurs on small leaves of plants, or on snag from a bunch of threads, after a few days. Plants with eggs are immediately removed and placed in a separate container, replaced with a new portion.
The caviar ripens within a week. The hatched fry are very small and require clean water with a temperature of 26-28 degrees for survival and healthy growth. and small quality food. Usually these are well-washed ciliates, Artemia nauplii, and Cyclops. From birth, the fry are excellent hunters. When the fish grow up, you can gradually diversify their diet with chopped squid fillet.
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION:
Kingdom: Animalia
Type: Chordata
Class: Ray-finned (Actinopterygii)
Family: Rainbows (Melanotaeniidae)
Genus: Melanotaenia, Theodore Nicholas Gill, 1862
Scientific name: Atherina nigrans, J. Richardson, 1843
Also known: Aida Castelnau, 1875; Aidaprora Whitley, 1935; Amneris Whitley, 1935; Anisocentrus Regan, 1914; Aristeus Castelnau, 1878; Charisella Fowler, 1939; Nematocentris Peters, 1866; Neoatherina Castelnau, 1875; Rhombatractus Gill, 1894; Rhombosoma Regan, 1914; Strabo Kner & Steindachner, 1867; Zantecla Castelnau, 1873.
Minimum aquarium volume: from 80 liters for a flock of 5-7 individuals;
Temperature: depending on the type;
Acidity: depending on the type;
Hardness: depending on type;
Substrate: fine gravel of dark colors;
Filtration is good with moderate water flow, weekly changes of 25 - 30% water;
Aggression: 10%.
A little history about irises
The first to describe irises was John Richardson in 1843. Richardson named them Atherina nigrans. Then the American ichthyologist Theodore Nicholas Gill in 1862 placed iris in the genus Melanotaenia, including it in the family Atherinidae. Thirty-two years later, Theodore Gill classified the genus into the subfamily Melanotaeniinae. It was only in 1964 that Ian Munro proposed to separate fish from the Atherinidae family, creating the family Melanotaeniidae.
The name of the Rainbow family (Melanotaeniidae) is translated as “black ribbon”, which is due to the presence of a dark stripe along the body of the fish in most species. They were first discovered more than 150 years ago, and gained the greatest popularity only in the 70s of the twentieth century.
Habitat of rainbows
Rainbowfish live in forest and mountain rivers, lakes and swamps, in fresh (most species) and brackish waters of Northern and North-Eastern Australia (south to New South Wales), on the island of Papua New Guinea and on islands close to Indonesia (about . Irian).
The water temperature in some areas in winter drops to 5 - 10 0 C, in summer it can rise to 35 0 C. And there are areas where the temperature does not drop below 22 - 23 0 C.
Therefore, when purchasing iris, special attention should be paid to the parameters of keeping this species.
Unfortunately, the natural habitat, especially on the island. Irian (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea are being destroyed at tremendous speed, and some species are disappearing without ever being discovered.
Description and types of iris - melanothenium
At the time of writing, the family includes more than 80 species of fish in the genus Melanothenia alone, which indicates a rich variety of shapes, sizes and colors. For the aquarium hobby, the following genera have gained the greatest popularity: Melanotaenia, Glossolepis, Chilatherina, Iriatherina, Cairnsichthys and Rhadinocentrus.
All irisfish have an elongated, laterally compressed body, a slanted mouth with small conical teeth. An interesting feature is the change in body shape with age. It is also worth noting that the main feature of all irisfish is the presence of a double dorsal fin, a long rear fin and a small front one. The size of the fish varies greatly depending on the species. The smallest melanothenium, the small iris (4.5 cm), was discovered on the island of Irian in Indonesia. On this island, the crested iris (red siberian smelt) (6-12 cm), Bleer's iris (5-10 cm) and Boesman's melanothenia (up to 10 cm) were also found. Australian species include melanotenia Duboulay (7-9 cm), blue (humpbacked) iris (6-8 cm) and three-striped iris (up to 12 cm). New Guinea species are represented by northern iris (5-7.5 cm) native to the north of New Guinea, green-gold glossolepis (7-10 cm), turquoise iris (12 cm) and Axelrod's melanotenia (8 cm).
Males are larger and have a brighter color than females; their bodies are taller, especially in adults. The anterior dorsal fin in males when folded extends beyond the beginning of the second dorsal fin. The dorsal and anal fins of females have a rounded shape.
Northern iris - melanotenia affinis
(Melanotaeniaaffinis),Weber, 1907.
The color of the fish directly depends on its habitat and varies from olive, yellow, bronze on the back to white on the belly. A dark stripe extends from the fish's head to the base of the caudal fin. It is recommended to keep them in flocks with sufficient swimming space, dense vegetation, and peaceful cohabitants.
Body length: up to 11.5 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 20 - 27 0 C; pH 6.5 - 8.0; dH 6 - 10.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: northern Papua New Guinea.
Iris - neon melanotenia
(Melanotaeniapraecox),Weber & de Beaufort, 1922.
A beautiful and peaceful fish. The body of the neon iris is small, narrow and flattened on the sides. The dorsal and anal fins are located perpendicular to each other. The color of the fins is rich red (in males) or orange (in females). In this type of fish, the brightness of the color is characteristic not only of males, but also of females, although they are slightly paler. The color of the scales on the body is bluish-pink with a gray tint, and when exposed to light it acquires a neon shine. It is recommended to keep them in flocks of 5 or more individuals in a species aquarium or with peaceful partners. The fish needs soft water and plenty of space to swim. Life expectancy is 4 -5 years.
Body length: up to 4.5 - 5 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 22 - 28 0 C; pH 5.8 - 6.8; dH 2 - 6.
Food: small, live.
Habitat: Mamberamo River in Northern Irian Jaya, Indonesia.
Iris - melanothenia Duboulay
(Melanotaenia duboulayi), Castelnau, 1878.
Found in slow-moving or standing rivers, streams, drains, lakes and reservoirs. Prefers to swim near the surface or near driftwood. The body is silver-blue or green in color. Rows of scales with narrow yellow lines are observed. The fish is distinguished by the presence of a wide black edging on the dorsal, anal and ventral fins, which become most clearly visible during the spawning period. Red-orange speckles can also be seen on the grayish fins, and dark dots on the caudal fin. Males are brighter and have a taller body. The ends of the dorsal and anal fins in males are pointed and colored, while in females they are rounded and transparent. Requires large swimming areas with areas of dense vegetation and peaceful cohabitants. Life expectancy in the wild is 3 - 4 years. Very popular among aquarists.
Body length: 7 - 11 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 16 - 28 0 C; pH 7.0 - 7.5; dH 10 - 15.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: south-eastern Australia.
Iris - melanothenia blue or humpback
(Melanotaenia splendida), Peters, 1866.
It is found in rivers and lakes, where it gathers in large schools near the surface. Widely known for a large number of variations, it has 3 subspecies (M. s. splendida, M. s. australis, M. s. inornata). Requires large swimming areas with areas of dense vegetation, floating plants and peaceful cohabitants. Easy to breed. Males are larger than females and more brightly colored. It is recommended to keep in flocks of 6-8 individuals. Life expectancy in the wild is 3 years, in an aquarium up to 5 years.
Body length: up to 14 cm, usually 8 - 10 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 20 - 29 0 C; pH 5.3 - 8.5; dH 6 - 10.
Food: omnivore.
Iris - melanothenia tristriata
(Melanotaenia trifasciata), Rendahl, 1922.
Found in small streams and ponds with slightly turbid water. This peaceful, swimming-loving, brightly colored fish can be found in a variety of color variations; some males have a high back and are brighter in color, unlike females. It develops best in soft or alkaline water. It is recommended to keep them in flocks in a species aquarium or with peaceful partners. Requires large swimming areas with areas of dense vegetation. Easy to breed.
Body length: up to 12 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 25 - 28 0 C; pH 6.0 - 7.8; dH 2 - 6.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: north-eastern Australia.
Iris - melanothenia turquoise
(Melanotaenia lacustris), Munro, 1964.
One of the most beautiful rainbows. Shimmers in various shades from green to blue. During the spawning period, males develop a golden color that runs from the forehead along the ridge. A peaceful and easy to keep schooling fish that loves to swim. Keep in spacious aquariums (from 1 m long). Prefers the presence of dense vegetation, stones, snags and a large space for swimming. Only one known habitat is Lake Kutubu in the Kikori River basin in southern Papua New Guinea. Easy to breed.
Body length: up to 12cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 22 - 25 0 C; pH 7.0 - 8.0; dH 8 - 12.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: Papua New Guinea, lake. Kutubu.
Iris - Axelrod's melanothenia
(Melanotenia herbertaxelrodi), Allen, 1981.
Beautiful, easy to handle, playful and peaceful rainbow. Males are brighter in color and have a taller body. The body of the fish is yellow in color with a clearly defined longitudinal dark blue stripe. Unpaired fins shimmer from red to yellow, while females have transparent fins. An aquarium with plants with dissected leaves, best planted along the side and back walls. The foreground and center can be planted with low-growing plants. Rainbows feel quite at ease in the morning sun. Easy to breed.
Body length: up to 8 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 22 - 26 0 C; pH 6.5 - 8.5; dH 5 - 25.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: Papua New Guinea, lake. Tebera.
Iris - Boesman's melanothenia
(Melanotaeniaboesemani),Allen &Cross, 1980.
Of course, this is one of the most beautiful types of iris. Luxurious unforgettable body coloring. The head and front of the grown male are blue, the back of the body and rear fins are yellow-orange. The female is somewhat smaller and has a less high back. Color ranges from green to yellow. Intense color appears only after 12-15 months. Peace-loving, swimming-loving, schooling fish. First brought to Europe by Heiko Bleer (publisher of the magazine “Aqua Geography” and author of numerous articles on aquarium farming). Likes to jump - use closed aquariums. Keeping and breeding this species does not present any great difficulties, however, the color fades, which is why the fish must be fed with high-quality food rich in vitamins and microelements, and new individuals must be added, otherwise the species will rapidly degenerate. The minimum length of the aquarium is 80 cm.
Body length: up to 15 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 25 - 29 0 C; pH 6.8 - 7.8; dH 10 - 20.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: Indonesia, o. Irian Jaya, Lake Ayamura.
Iris - Blecher's melanothenia
(Chilatherina bleheri), Allen, 1985.
A peaceful, agile fish that loves to swim in a school. Males are brighter in color, and with age they develop a very high back. The upper body of this species is silver, greenish or golden in color. Females lack bright red shades and are either silver or blue-blue in color. It is recommended to keep them in a mixed aquarium in small groups of 5-8 individuals. Lush, sometimes dense vegetation along the side and rear walls with plenty of space for swimming. The fish feels very at ease when the rays of the morning sun penetrate the aquarium. Easy to breed. The coloring of fish in all its brilliance appears only at the age of about 12 months.
Body length: 5 - 10 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 23 - 28 0 C; pH 6.8 - 8.0; dH 4 - 18.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: Indonesia, o. Irian Jaya, Lake Danau Biru.
Red smelter or crested iris
(Glossolepisincisus).
Adult males have a high back and deep pink fins. This magnificent color outfit still appears only at a size of 5-7 cm. Females have a more elongated body, a beige-olive color with golden scales, and transparent yellow fins. It is recommended to keep 5-7 individuals in an aquarium at least 100 cm long. Prefers dense vegetation and large swimming space. Easy to breed.
Body length: up to 15 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 22 - 26 0 C; pH 6.8 - 8.0; dH 10 - 25.
Food: omnivore.
Habitat: Indonesia, o. Irian Jaya, Lake Sentani; Papua New Guinea; northern and eastern coasts of Australia.
Green-gold Glossolepis, Glossolepis Multisquamata, Multistriate Iris
(Glossolepismultisquamata), Weber & de Beaufort, 1922.
This type of rainbowfish is a species that requires soft water. In addition, it should be lightly salted. The fish has an elongated body, laterally compressed. The head is sharp-shaped, the eyes are large. The main body color is olive green, but can vary to silver with a pink tint. Males have red eyes and have orange-red lines on their sides that give the body a red color. Prefers the presence of dense vegetation, large space for swimming, peaceful cohabitants and the presence of darkened corners in the aquarium.
Body length: 7 - 10 cm.
Water parameters in the aquarium: t 0 24 - 30 0 C; pH 4.8 - 6.8; dH 2 - 6.
Food: omnivorous fish, prefers invertebrates.
Habitat: northeast Papua New Guinea.
Care and maintenance of iris - melanothenium
Rainbowfish will not cause much trouble, both for beginners and seasoned aquarists.
Small representatives of the family are kept in flocks in spacious aquariums. For a flock of 5-7 individuals, an aquarium from 80 liters is suitable, preferably oblong in shape. The bottom can be planted with low-growing plants, and along the walls of the aquarium I plant long-stemmed plants densely. There should be enough room for swimming in the center. It is preferable to use dark colored soil to best reflect the color of the iris. Good filtration and aeration with regular 25-30% water changes. Some species prefer side sunlight. It is worth mentioning their jumping ability, so we use aquariums with lids or covered with a cover glass.
All the beauty of the colors of these fish is most fully revealed in a species or mixed aquarium in the company of other, not very closely related fish.
If you have a large aquarium and you cannot always make timely water changes, then the advice from the article will come to the rescue
Compatibility of iris - melanothenium
Rainbowfish, first of all, are harmless, playful fish, therefore, you need to select neighbors that are peace-loving and love to swim (not closely related species).
What to feed irises - melanothenium
The fish are not at all picky about food and eat a variety of foods, preferring live and frozen.
Please note that feeding Rainbowfish aquarium fish must be correct: balanced and varied. This fundamental rule is the key to successful keeping of any species of fish. Therefore, it will be useful for you to read the article « » , which talks about this in detail, and also outlines the basic principles of the diet and feeding regime for fish.
At this time, dry food is, of course, popular and popular food for fish. For example, all the time and everywhere you can find food from the Tetra company on aquarium shelves - the leader of the Russian market, which has a range of food “for every taste.” Tetra’s “gastronomic arsenal” includes individual food for a specific type of fish: guppies, goldfish, cichlids, loricariids, labyrinths, arowanas, discus fish, etc. Tetra has also developed specialized foods, for example, to enhance color, fortified, or for feeding fry. You can find out detailed information about all Tetra feeds on the company’s official website -.
It would not be superfluous to note that when purchasing any dry food, you should first of all pay attention to the date of its manufacture and shelf life, try not to buy food in bulk, and also store the food in a closed state - this will help to avoid the development of pathogenic flora in it .
Breeding and reproduction of iris - melanothenium
Rainbows reproduce without much difficulty. Spawning can take place both in a species aquarium and in a specially prepared spawning aquarium. The fish lay eggs with sticky threads on the stems and leaves of plants in small parts daily, for one to two weeks. After which there is a break. If there is plenty of food in the aquarium, then the parents will not eat the eggs, but it is still recommended to move the plants with eggs to a separate aquarium, and if you are using a spawning aquarium, then we move the parents out.
If you want to achieve faster spawning, you need to keep females and males separately before spawning. And also provide the fish with a variety of nutritious food and frequent water changes.
The larva hatches after 4 - 7 days, after which after 3 - 5 days the fry begins to actively feed. Initial food for iris fry - artemia nauplii, ciliates, live dust, specialized high-quality dry food for fry. The fish reach sexual maturity at the age of 7 - 10 months.
Useful reading material
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Photos with irises - melanothenia
Video with iris
Three-striped iris
The fish's homeland is the northern part of Australia.
Description
The three-striped iris has a tall body, slightly elongated in length and compressed at the sides. The dorsal fin consists of two parts: the anterior part is short; the back is long, like the anal fin. The color of the body depends on the origin of the fish and its habitat. Its color can be the following colors: yellow, golden, green, red, black, azure, and these colors can vary in tone. In bright light, the scales of the fish shine and shimmer. There are three stripes along the body. The middle stripe originates at the mouth, goes through the eye and fades at the caudal peduncle. The upper (barely noticeable) and lower ones run parallel to this stripe. The fins are painted brick scarlet or yellow-orange. Male - has a large hump on the chest and back at the level of the gill covers, with a pointed tip at the front of the dorsal fin; the female is fuller-bellied and less intensely colored. The body length of the fish in nature is up to 18 cm, in captivity up to 10 cm.
The three-striped iris is a very active and jumping fish, so it is better to cover the aquarium in which they will live with a lid or glass. Aquarium length 70 cm or more. When decorating an aquarium, you should not use objects with sharp corners and edges, since moving irises can get injured. Fine soil is preferable. Thickets of small-leaved plants should be planted in the aquarium, leaving free space for swimming. It is better to keep them in a flock of 5-6 individuals. You can choose fish of the same size and good disposition as neighbors. Constant filtration, intensive aeration and changing a third of the water volume once a week are needed. You need to feed the three-lined rainbowfish with live food (coretra, tubifex, bloodworms), seafood (squid, shrimp caviar, blue whiting), and substitutes. Plant feeding is required from time to time. In the aquarium they enjoy eating duckweed. In nature, they feed on algae, insect larvae, and small crustaceans.
Breeding
Three-striped irises spawn in an aquarium 60 cm or more in length. This can happen both in a general and in a separate aquarium. In a separate spawning tank, soil is not needed, and the water level should be 35 cm. Indicators of water for spawning: hardness 2-16°, temperature 25 - 28°C, acidity 6.0-7.8. The substrate for spawning is small-leaved plants or a bunch of fishing line. For spawning, you should select large, intensely colored fish. Spawning should be stimulated by increasing the temperature by 2ºC and frequently changing the water. A week before breeding, the breeders are separated from each other and fed well. Spawning of the female three-striped iris lasts 1-1.5 months, while she lays eggs on the substrate in small portions. The female's productivity is 200-1000 transparent eggs. If productivity is low, female fish should be placed in a common aquarium for 15-20 days so that they gain strength. Every five days, the substrate with eggs is carefully transferred in a jar to an incubator aquarium, the water levels in which are the same as in the spawning tank, and the water level is up to 15 cm. After 5-7 days, the fry can already take food - live dust. Within a month, the fish begin to turn bright colors.
Sexual maturity in the three-striped iris occurs in 6-12 months.
