Scientific Name: Melantaenia herbertaxelrodi

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Origin: "Lake Tebera, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea"

Compatibility with Planted Aquariums: Compatible.

Care and Handling: "Contrary to some popular opinion, these Rainbows are very hardy provided you provide adequate space, good filtration (they thrive in planted tanks)and don't let the water get to hot (>84F). They will handle low temps better than most tropicals. The Category Group picture is from a temporary holding tank in our cichlid hatchery where the temp is 82F. These Rainbows prefer temperatures in the 72-78F range but will do very well with temps down to about 62F and up to about 84F. Hardness doesn't matter as much as temp as they are found in extremely soft and hard waters depending on the seasonal changes. PH should be kept between 6.5 and 7.5. These fish are omniverous and will thrive on a diet high in animal and vegetable proteins such as top quality flake feeds, and any form of live, dried or frozen brine shrimp."

What to Do Before You Receive: Adjust your tank to within the following parameters: PH between 6.4 and 6.8(PH can be allowed to rise after acclimation). Temperature between 74 and 78 degrees F. These conditions are ideal for receiving our Rainbows and other fish. Once your new fish are at home in your tank you can let the PH and temperature values fluctuate to within the wider range of values as discussed in the Care and Handling section. Hardness does not matter as long as you have met the above conditions. Your fish will be shipped in approximately one half gallon of water. Be sure your tank has room for the extra water.

What to Do When You Receive: "Before you open the box, be sure you have prepared your tank as discussed in the previous section and are ready to introduce new fish to your tank. If you have other animals already in your tank you may want to feed them moderately before starting. 1)Turn all tank lights out. 2)Remove bag from box and float in tank unopened for 5 minutes. 3)Open top of bag and add about two cups tank water to bag. 4)Let fish acclimate in this mixed water for about 5 minutes. You can clip the top of the bag to the side of the tank with a clothes pin. 5)Add two cups tank water to bag every 5 minutes until bag is almost full, then release fish into to tank. 6)Wait 15 minutes to turn tank lights back on."

Size of Fish: 3 inches