Cairns Maccullochi Rainbow - Eubanangee Swamp 3.5cm

Cairns Maccullochi Rainbow - Eubanangee Swamp 

One of the coolest things about rainbowfish is how a single species can have multiple colour variations as a result of them being found in different rivers or areas. One of the most obvious cases of this is the Maccullochi rainbowfish which have a vast geographical range. The colour variations are identified by the river these fish come from and in this particular instance, these fish come from the Eubanangee swamp. These fish will be a great addition to a smaller rainbowfish aquarium or a great biotope project, they only reach around 7.5 cm and are hardy which makes them a great entry-level rainbow. 

These maccullochi rainbowfish have one of the most contrasting and striking colourations. The base body colour starts off as a platinum white near the belly and transitions into a deep bronze colour with hints of emerald green. The fins have a rust-orange colouration and this colour is also seen on the gill plate spot. Running horizontally on the body are a series of broken jet-black lines which look like tiger stripes, these are also seen on the fins as well. These fish display amazingly when kept in schools and are easily bred in the home aquarium given the right conditions. Native Australian rainbowfish often get overlooked for colourful tetras or even nonnative rainbowfish, but when you have a fish that is this stunning, they make for a fantastic and arguably better alternative. 

Once they reach maturity, the maccullochi rainbow will breed on an almost daily basis. Though you can simply leave the parents in a dedicated planted display aquarium and hope for the fry to survive, the best luck is achieved when setting up a breeding system. Aquarists will usually have these fish in a bare aquarium with spawning mops which are rotated out daily to harvest the eggs which can then be hatched elsewhere. Males tend to be larger than females by around 1-2 cm when mature and have larger fins and deeper bodies. Females will be a light paler white colour when compared to the brighter males.   

Tank Recommendations for your Cairns Maccullochi Rainbow 

Being a very small and easy-to-care-for fish, a group of the maccullochi rainbow can be kept in a 75-liter aquarium. This is a great smaller-sized aquarium that will fit easily in most places of a home and with this fish in it, will be a stunning display.  These fish are mostly middle-to-top dwellings and will appreciate a longer tank to supplement their active behavior. A tight-fitting lid is also required because the maccullochi rainbows have a high risk of jumping out. Though the hardscape and substrate are not a major concern, these fish will love a planted tank. Their wild environment features a lot of botanicals and driftwood so including this will always be good. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Being a small and peaceful fish the maccullochi rainbow is a very easy fish to pair with other tank mates. They can be kept in aquariums with other dwarf rainbow fish or in mixed community aquariums.

Usually Compatible

Pseudomogil species such as forktail, neon and delicate blue eyes along with other small community fish like tetras, rasboras and similar species. 

Sometimes Compatible

Flagtail Prochilodus, Angelfish and larger but still peaceful fish. There is a risk that the mild territorial behaviour that angelfish or similar species display can harm the rainbows over a period of time. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species which would prey on the maccullochi rainbow such as Oscars, or jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Cairns Maccullochi Rainbow

The maccullochi rainbow is very easy to feed once it is settled into the aquarium. These fish should always be kept in a school of 5+ individuals because it makes them feel far more comfortable and you will clearly observe this during feeding time. The rainbows will show off this pack-feeding frenzy which is just so fun to watch. They will readily eat a wide range of foods but would prefer to have high-protein foods like frozen bloodworms, Mysis shrimp or live foods such as brine shrimp or black worms. This however can be substituted with good-quality flakes or nano-floating pellets.