{"product_id":"banded-rainbowfish","title":"Banded Rainbowfish | Melanotaenia trifasciata","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"newlands-animal-care-guide\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanded Rainbowfish | Melanotaenia trifasciata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the aquarium for the adult animal and its companions. A mature filter and stable, species-appropriate water conditions are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; natural habitat\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAustralia; freshwater habitats.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAdult size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 15 cm body length (excluding the tail fin).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility must be checked for the adult fish, not its size at sale. Keep the species in a suitable shoal rather than singly; check fin-nipping and adult size before mixing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eActivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUse a consistent light\/dark cycle with sheltered resting places.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSocial needs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKeep a shoal of at least 6; 8–10 or more is preferable where space allows.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHousing \u0026amp; Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAdult housing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAt least 120 × 30 cm of floor area, around 170 litres at 45 cm water depth. Add space and volume for companions, furnishings and the planned adult group.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eEnclosure type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature freshwater aquarium, unless a different water type is specified below.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–33°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eWater chemistry\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH 6.5–8.0; hardness 8–20dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies-appropriate sand or smooth gravel; avoid sharp material around bottom-dwelling fish.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFurnishings \u0026amp; filtration\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProvide shelter, suitable plants or wood, open swimming space, mature filtration and oxygenation. Fit a secure lid.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatibility must be checked for the adult fish, not its size at sale. Keep the species in a suitable shoal rather than singly; check fin-nipping and adult size before mixing. Check every proposed companion with our aquatic team and allow extra territory for breeding fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer quality omnivore flakes or pellets with small frozen or live foods for variety. Feed in small amounts at more than one point so all fish get a share. Feed measured portions rather than allowing food to accumulate; juveniles may need smaller, more frequent meals. Make sure bottom-dwelling or shy animals receive their share.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRoutine Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck appetite, breathing, equipment and water temperature daily. Test water regularly; ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero. Make regular partial water changes using conditioned, temperature-matched water. Rinse biological filter media in removed tank water, preserving the filter bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Before Buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCycle the aquarium before collection. Confirm the current food and water conditions with our aquatic team and acclimatise gradually. Sale size is not adult size; stocking and filtration must account for the full-grown animal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLive Animals Are Click \u0026amp; Collect Only\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Petra - Aqua Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55223254483271,"sku":"1141989","price":7.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/8821\/4500\/files\/BandedRainbowfish_Melanotaeniatrifasciata_2.png?v=1790965461","url":"https:\/\/www.newlands.ie\/products\/banded-rainbowfish","provider":"Newlands Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}