Melanotaenia trifasciata goyder river Rainbowfish

Description

Melanotaenia trifasciata "Goyder River"

One of Australia's most spectacular rainbowfish, renowned for its intense electric blue body, fiery orange fins, and incredible display colours that only improve with maturity.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Melanotaenia trifasciata
  • Collection Locality: Goyder River
  • Common name: Goyder River Rainbowfish
  • Adult size: 12–15 cm
  • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want one of Australia's most colourful rainbowfish.
  • You have a large planted or biotope aquarium.
  • You enjoy active schooling fish with incredible display colours.
  • You appreciate locality-specific rainbowfish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
  • You keep aggressive cichlids or predatory fish.
  • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
  • Your aquarium lacks open swimming space.

Why choose the Goyder River Rainbowfish?

The Goyder River locality is one of the most sought-after forms of Melanotaenia trifasciata. Mature males develop an extraordinary electric blue body contrasted by vivid orange to red fins, creating one of the most striking colour combinations found in any freshwater fish.

Like many rainbowfish, their colours continue to intensify as they mature. Healthy males constantly display to one another by flaring their fins, deepening their body colour and competing peacefully for the attention of females.

When housed in a large aquarium with excellent water quality and a varied diet, a mature school becomes an unforgettable centrepiece.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping too few individuals.
  • Housing them in aquariums that are too small.
  • Providing limited swimming space.
  • Feeding only dry food.
  • Allowing nitrate levels to build up.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–30°C
  • pH: 6.8–8.0
  • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods and insects
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Large planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and a secure-fitting lid

Pairs perfectly with

  • Boesemani Rainbowfish
  • Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus)
  • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
  • Congo Tetras
  • Large Corydoras species
NTA Insight:
The Goyder River strain is widely regarded as one of the finest forms of Melanotaenia trifasciata. Don't be discouraged if young fish appear fairly plain—adult males undergo an incredible transformation, developing brilliant electric blues and fiery orange fins that rival many marine fish. A mature school under quality lighting is truly spectacular.

FAQ

How many Goyder River Rainbowfish should I keep?

Keep them in schools of at least six fish. Groups of 8–12 or more encourage natural behaviour, stronger colours and more impressive display activity.

Are they suitable for community aquariums?

Yes. They are peaceful fish that mix well with other similarly sized rainbowfish, tetras, Corydoras and other non-aggressive community species.

Can they live with shrimp?

Due to their adult size, they will likely eat dwarf shrimp and shrimplets. They are best suited to larger community aquariums without ornamental shrimp.

Can they breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They readily spawn on spawning mops or fine-leaved plants, scattering adhesive eggs over several days. Eggs are best removed and raised separately.

What makes the Goyder River variety special?

The Goyder River locality is famous for producing some of the most intensely coloured Melanotaenia trifasciata, with mature males displaying vivid electric blue bodies and brilliant orange-red fins that make them one of Australia's premier rainbowfish.

Melanotaenia trifasciata goyder river Rainbowfish

Product form

Out of stock,  

$100.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Melanotaenia trifasciata "Goyder River"

    One of Australia's most spectacular rainbowfish, renowned for its intense electric blue body, fiery orange fins, and incredible display colours that only improve with maturity.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Melanotaenia trifasciata
    • Collection Locality: Goyder River
    • Common name: Goyder River Rainbowfish
    • Adult size: 12–15 cm
    • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want one of Australia's most colourful rainbowfish.
    • You have a large planted or biotope aquarium.
    • You enjoy active schooling fish with incredible display colours.
    • You appreciate locality-specific rainbowfish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
    • You keep aggressive cichlids or predatory fish.
    • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
    • Your aquarium lacks open swimming space.

    Why choose the Goyder River Rainbowfish?

    The Goyder River locality is one of the most sought-after forms of Melanotaenia trifasciata. Mature males develop an extraordinary electric blue body contrasted by vivid orange to red fins, creating one of the most striking colour combinations found in any freshwater fish.

    Like many rainbowfish, their colours continue to intensify as they mature. Healthy males constantly display to one another by flaring their fins, deepening their body colour and competing peacefully for the attention of females.

    When housed in a large aquarium with excellent water quality and a varied diet, a mature school becomes an unforgettable centrepiece.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping too few individuals.
    • Housing them in aquariums that are too small.
    • Providing limited swimming space.
    • Feeding only dry food.
    • Allowing nitrate levels to build up.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–30°C
    • pH: 6.8–8.0
    • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods and insects
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Large planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and a secure-fitting lid

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Boesemani Rainbowfish
    • Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus)
    • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
    • Congo Tetras
    • Large Corydoras species
    NTA Insight:
    The Goyder River strain is widely regarded as one of the finest forms of Melanotaenia trifasciata. Don't be discouraged if young fish appear fairly plain—adult males undergo an incredible transformation, developing brilliant electric blues and fiery orange fins that rival many marine fish. A mature school under quality lighting is truly spectacular.

    FAQ

    How many Goyder River Rainbowfish should I keep?

    Keep them in schools of at least six fish. Groups of 8–12 or more encourage natural behaviour, stronger colours and more impressive display activity.

    Are they suitable for community aquariums?

    Yes. They are peaceful fish that mix well with other similarly sized rainbowfish, tetras, Corydoras and other non-aggressive community species.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Due to their adult size, they will likely eat dwarf shrimp and shrimplets. They are best suited to larger community aquariums without ornamental shrimp.

    Can they breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They readily spawn on spawning mops or fine-leaved plants, scattering adhesive eggs over several days. Eggs are best removed and raised separately.

    What makes the Goyder River variety special?

    The Goyder River locality is famous for producing some of the most intensely coloured Melanotaenia trifasciata, with mature males displaying vivid electric blue bodies and brilliant orange-red fins that make them one of Australia's premier rainbowfish.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account