{"product_id":"aru-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-picta","title":"Aru Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia picta","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAru Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia picta)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aru Rainbowfish is a lively, attractive rainbowfish from the Aru Islands of Indonesia, prized for its shimmering body tones and the stronger yellow, orange and blue highlights that develop as males mature. In a well-kept aquarium it is an active mid-water species that looks best when kept in a proper group, where males can display to one another and show their best colour without causing real harm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAru Rainbowfish. It is also commonly known as the Painted Rainbowfish, Picta Rainbowfish, Aru Island Rainbowfish and Melanotaenia picta Rainbowfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelanotaenia picta\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUp to 8–11 cm in length, with males usually growing a little larger and deeper-bodied than females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative to the Mareremar River system on Kobroor Island in the Aru Islands, Indonesia. It naturally occurs in tropical freshwater habitat with open swimming space, current and natural cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 22–28°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 6.8–7.8\u003cbr\u003eHardness: 5–15 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenerally peaceful, though males may posture and spar lightly when establishing hierarchy or displaying. These interactions are usually short-lived and are part of normal rainbowfish behaviour when the fish are kept in a suitable group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmnivorous. Offer a varied diet of quality flakes, micro pellets and small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp and other protein-rich foods to maintain colour and condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA practical long-term recommendation is around 120 litres or more, especially if keeping a proper group. A longer aquarium is far more suitable than a tall, narrow one because this species is an active swimmer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an energetic mid-water rainbowfish that thrives in open swimming space with planted margins, wood or rockwork for security. It is best kept in a group, and the fish usually become more confident, more settled and better coloured once established in a shoal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBest kept in a group of at least 6–8 with other peaceful, similarly sized fish that enjoy clean, well-oxygenated water and open swimming space. Good companions include other rainbowfish, larger peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras and calm bottom-dwellers. Watch out for aggressive fish, fin-nippers and very timid nano fish, as this species is active and fast-moving and can overwhelm quieter tankmates even without being truly aggressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis species does best in a mature aquarium with excellent water quality, regular maintenance and a layout that balances open swimming areas with planted or structured cover. Keeping them in too small a group often leaves them less settled and less colourful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeginner to Intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOccasional in trade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":45961316729005,"sku":"AG-102642","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":45961316761773,"sku":"AG-102643","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":45961316794541,"sku":"AG-102644","price":11.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":45961316827309,"sku":"AG-102645","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/Aru_Rainbowfish_-_Large_Melanotaenia_picta.jpg?v=1777457305","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/aru-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-picta","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}