Deepwater Creek Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida)

Remarks: Melanotaenia splendida has several subspecies, including M. splendida splendida, M. splendida australis, M. splendida tatei, and M. splendida inornata. There is much variation among these subspecies, and further genetic analysis may indicate they are separate species entirely. The Deepwater Creek Rainbow is part of the M. splendida splendida subspecies, but may have been a result of natural hybridization between M. splendida and M. duboulayi (Source). Remnants of the Crimson Spot can certainly be seen in these fish.  The fish are omnivorous and should be fed a quality flake food with supplemental proteins such as baby brine shrimp. They require clean water but tolerate a wide variety of water parameters. By providing frequent water changes, you will be rewarded with nearly continuous spawning attempts. Melanotaenia species deposit eggs in weedy areas (often mimicked by a yarn mop) and the eggs hatch 7-10 days later. Eggs can be harvested for hatching in separate tanks to avoi