All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra
Forktail Rainbow (Melanotaenia maccullochi)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Size: Typically grows to about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length.
- Color: Males are striking with vibrant colors, including a blend of blue, green, and orange. The tail fin is distinctive with a forked shape, often displaying additional color patterns. Females are less colorful but still attractive.
- Body Shape: Elongated and streamlined with a forked tail fin.
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Behavior:
- Activity Level: Highly active and fast-swimming.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful and best kept in schools. Males are more colorful and may display more vivid colors during breeding.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum: 30 gallons (114 liters). Larger tanks are preferable to provide ample space for swimming and schooling.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft substrate such as sand or fine gravel is ideal.
- Decorations: Include some rocks, driftwood, and live plants. Provide open swimming areas as well as places for hiding.
- Lighting: Bright lighting enhances their colors and supports plant growth.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C). Slightly warmer temperatures within this range are preferred.
- pH: 6.5-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is best.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Good filtration is essential. Ensure the water is well-oxygenated with moderate water flow.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Omnivorous. Provide a varied diet including high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
- Supplemental Food: Include occasional vegetable matter or algae-based foods.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include small to medium-sized community fish.
- Tank Mates: Suitable companions include tetras, rasboras, and other peaceful schooling fish.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain water quality.
- Cleaning: Keep the tank clean and ensure the filtration system is working efficiently.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Regularly monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in color, unusual behavior, or fin clamping. Maintaining good water quality is key to preventing common fish diseases.
- Treatment: Address any health issues promptly with appropriate treatments and maintain stable water conditions.
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Additional Notes:
- Lifespan: Typically around 5-7 years with proper care.
- Behavioral Trait: Forktail Rainbows are known for their schooling behavior and dynamic colors. Keeping them in groups enhances their natural behavior and visual appeal.