Goyder River Rainbow 5cm

Goyder River Rainbow

Goyder River Rainbowfish has got too easily been on the list of the top 5 most popular rainbow species. These fish stunning native Australian fish are loved all over the world and were one of the main reasons that Australian rainbowfish became popular. Goyder River rainbowfish are a larger species and a school of these fish will look absolutely stellar in a planted aquarium as the rainbow array of colours really presents itself. These colours are also naturally occurring which is quite surprising as it is usually only achieved in selectively bred fish.

Just like a lot of other rainbow fish, as juveniles, these Goyder River rainbowfish tend to look washed out which turns a lot of beginner aquarists away. Once these fish are put on a few centimetres, they look majestic with the metallic purple body colour that is shimmering with hues of green, blue, and yellow. The scales are all crisscrossed with orange lines and the most recognisable feature on these fish are the blood-red fins. There is also a jet black lateral bar and all the fins except the pectoral and tail fin have this black as well.  Under some red-enhancing aquarium lighting, the Goyder River rainbow will be an absolute show-stopping fish.

Breeding these rainbows in the home aquarium is possible as males tend to grow larger and show far more vibrant colours compared to females. Once these fish reach maturity, they tend to breed on an almost daily basis and aquarists often use breeding mops to collect the eggs and rear them in a separate tank. Feeding newborn rainbow fish can be challenging purely because the fish need to be fed on a very regular basis however it does make for a rewarding experience. 

Tank Recommendations for your Goyder River Rainbow

As the Goyder River rainbow fish do reach around 15 cm, but more importantly are incredibly active it is best to keep them in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 180 litres. This ensures that they can be kept in a trio which would be the bare minimum school whilst also having ample swimming space as well. The Goyder River rainbow is totally plant safe and will not only love but also look great in a well-planted aquarium. They are mostly mid to top-water dwelling fish so the choice of substrate and aquarium hardscape is not a major concern. They are however excellent jumpers so a tight-fitting lid is a must for the aquarium. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Goyder River rainbow fish is incredibly peaceful but due to their speed, they may potentially outcompete slow or bottom-dwelling tank mates. They can however be kept in a wide range of community aquarium settings and with other rainbow fish strains.

Usually Compatible

Other rainbow fish species, a range of tetra species such as lemon tetras, black widow tetras, and Congo tetras along with danio species as well. 

Sometimes Compatible

Corydoras, Apistogramma, angelfish, and other smaller or potentially slow-moving species. 

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive species may prey on the Goyder River rainbow fish. Any incredibly small species such as shrimp should be avoided as they may be eaten by the rainbow fish. 

Feeding your Goyder River Rainbow

Goyder River rainbow fish will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition.  The ideal diet would be good quality floating food, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great as this will really enhance the reds.