Melanotenia Van Herna

Van Heurn’s Melanothenia, scientific name Melanotaenia vanheurni, belongs to the family Melanotaeniidae (Rainbows). The fish is named after the Dutch explorer Cornelis Willem van Heurn, who discovered this species during his expedition to the jungles of New Guinea in 1920-1921.

Habitat

The fish comes from the island of New Guinea, where it inhabits the basin of the Mamberamo River. Found in small streams with clear water and rocky or sandy substrates flowing through rainforests. In its natural habitat, it coexists with the popular aquarium fish Rainbow fasciata.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 16 cm. The color is dominated by yellow colors with a golden sheen. The back can be brownish, blue, olive, with a metallic tint. A wide black and blue stripe with a pale yellow border stretches along the body.

Females are inferior to males in the brightness of colors, and also grow somewhat smaller – about 10 cm.

Behavior and Compatibility

An active peaceful fish. It leads a flock of life, so it needs the company of relatives. In the aquarium it is recommended to purchase a group of 6-8 individuals. Compatible with many other species, including Rainbows.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 150 liters.
• Temperature – 25-28°C
• Value pH — 7.1–7.5
• Water hardness – medium and high hardness (5-16 dGH)
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is about 16 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Keeping in a flock of 6-8 individuals

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a flock of 6-8 fish starts from 150 liters. The design is arbitrary, provided that there are free areas for swimming. The use of natural decoration elements that are found in their natural habitat is encouraged – these are natural snags, sandy or gravel substrate, aquatic plants growing on the surface of stones.

Water parameters should be in the slightly alkaline pH range with medium or increased hardness. The accumulation of organic waste that can disrupt the normal flow of the nitrogen cycle should not be allowed. It is necessary to observe the frequency of maintenance of the aquarium: the weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water with the removal of waste and the prevention of equipment, primarily the filtration system.

Food

Melanoteniya Van Hern is not demanding on the composition of food. Will accept most popular dry, frozen and live foods.