Aquarist Species: Melanotaenia pygmaea
Aquarist: AsianFishBiologist
Species Profile: Melanotaenia pygmaea
Common Name: Pygmy Rainbowfish
Species Photo by: Kyle Carlson
Description: A small metallic sky-blue rainbowfish with a blackish mid-lateral stripe, and pale yellow fins. Males are larger than females, and are more brightly coloured, with a reddish head and whitish fins. Females lack the reddish head and have smaller and more rounded fins.
Category: Rainbowfish
Global Region: Oceania
Distribution: Prince Regent River region of north Western Australia
CARES Classification: NEAR
Aquarist Notes
Photo of aquarist's species:
Genetic Line: Other
Year Acquired: 2026
Fish acquired from desktop aquatics in 2026 as fully grown adults
Spawning notes:
Species Spawned: Yes
78-80 degree water with a spawning mop, 2m/3f ratio