Rainbowfish - McCulloch's (Melanotaenia maccullochi) 3cm

A very small rainbowfish with several distinct colour forms across its range. McCulloch's Rainbowfish are very popular with aquarists.

Body silvery-white to yellowish, with 6-8 reddish-brown to blackish stripes along the sides. The dorsal and anal fins are variable in colour with black submarginal bands.

SKULL CREEK MCCULLOCH'S RAINBOW Species: Melanotaenia maccullochi were initially collected in 1915 from the Barron River, inland from Cairns, north Queensland. They were named after the ichthyologist, Allan R. McCulloch (1885-1925).  Several distinct colour forms are known, which show marked variation in the intensity of the dark body stripes and markings on the dorsal and anal fins as well as differences in the colour of the 'spawning' stripe on the nape of males. This coloured nape is flashed on and off during spawning activities and may be white, yellow, orange or red. Therefore, for the serious rainbowfish breeder, it is very important to maintain each distinct population separately in captivity. The dorsal and anal fins are orange-red with a lower black margin running along the body line. The caudal fin has a fan of orange-red colouration. Females are much less colourful, though some do show a hint of the male's coloration. Females of this variety tend to grow larger and have deeper bodies than males.