Goldie River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia goldiei
A large, active rainbowfish from the wild rivers and swamps of New Guinea.
About
The Goldie River Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia goldiei) is one of the bigger members of the rainbowfish family, and it carries that extra size well. A mature specimen has real presence in a spacious tank. Native to New Guinea, it occupies a wide range of freshwater habitats in the wild, from slow backwaters and swampy margins to tributary streams and the main channels of larger rivers. That adaptability to varied conditions is part of what makes it a manageable fish for intermediate keepers who can meet its space requirements. Like most rainbowfish, it's an active, open-water swimmer that does best in groups, where natural schooling behavior comes through and the fish settle in with noticeably more confidence. It's an omnivore with an easy appetite, accepting most prepared and live foods without fuss. The Goldie River is not quite as commonly seen in the hobby as some of its relatives, but it has a following among rainbowfish enthusiasts who appreciate its size and the lively dynamic it brings to a larger community setup. Give it room to move, keep it in numbers, and it rewards you with energetic, characterful behavior day to day.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Goldie River Rainbowfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Goldie River Rainbowfish get?
- The Goldie River Rainbowfish reaches about 2.5–4.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Goldie River Rainbowfish need?
- A minimum of 45 gallons is recommended for the Goldie River Rainbowfish, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Goldie River Rainbowfish need?
- The Goldie River Rainbowfish does best with a temperature of 77–82°F, a pH of 7–7.8, hardness around 8–10 dGH.
- Is the Goldie River Rainbowfish aggressive?
- The Goldie River Rainbowfish is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Goldie River Rainbowfish eat?
- The Goldie River Rainbowfish is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Goldie River Rainbowfish live?
- With good care, the Goldie River Rainbowfish typically lives 5-8 years.