Remarks: Melanotaenia nigrans endemically occurs throughout northern Australia. They are a smaller species only reaching around 4 inches. As with most rainbows as the mature their colors become more intense and beautiful. This species sports a dark horizontal black line running the length of its body. The Black Banded Rainbowfish is relatively slender when compared to other rainbowfish.

These 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 avoid predation. Most Rainbows show their best colors at sunrise, when the males display their bright fins for potential mates. Having more females than males will allow for proper color displays and avoid any unwanted aggression towards lone females.