Every fish passes through our dedicated quarantine system and strict biosecurity monitoring before sale - so it arrives healthy, settled and ready to thrive. How we quarantine →
| Tasmania | NO |
| Western Australia | NO |
| Northern Territory | NO |
| All Other States | YES |
The Skull Creek Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida inornata 'Skull Creek') is a stunning Australian locality form of the Eastern Rainbowfish, admired for its iridescent silver-blue body, golden highlights and vibrant yellow to orange fins. Originating from Skull Creek in northern Australia, this active and hardy rainbowfish is highly regarded for its peaceful nature, making it an excellent choice for community aquariums and native Australian displays.
Like most rainbowfish, Skull Creek Rainbowfish thrive when kept in schools of six or more. Males display their brightest colours when competing for females, creating an impressive display of flashing colours and natural behaviour. Their constant activity and friendly temperament make them ideal companions for other peaceful fish, including gudgeons, Corydoras, larger tetras and other rainbowfish.
A spacious aquarium with open swimming areas, dense planting and driftwood provides the perfect environment for this energetic species. They readily accept quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods and live foods, with a varied diet helping to maximise their colouration and overall health.
The Skull Creek Rainbowfish is an excellent addition to freshwater aquariums, offering vibrant Australian beauty, hardy nature and fascinating schooling behaviour.
Melanotaenia splendida inornata 'Skull Creek'
Skull Creek Rainbowfish
Skull Creek, Northern Australia
10–12 cm
Peaceful
Omnivore
180 Litres
22–28°C
6.5–8.0
5–20 dGH
Easy
5–8 Years
Australian native aquariums, planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks
Yes. They are hardy, adaptable and forgiving, making them an excellent choice for beginners who maintain good water quality and provide adequate swimming space.
They should be kept in schools of at least six fish. Larger groups reduce stress, encourage natural schooling behaviour and enhance the males' colour displays.
They are omnivores that enjoy a varied diet of quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, as well as occasional live foods.
Absolutely. They are peaceful and compatible with many similarly sized community fish, including other rainbowfish, gudgeons, Corydoras and peaceful barbs.
Yes. They thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming space, where live plants help provide security while showcasing their vibrant colours.
Yes. They readily spawn in mature aquariums, scattering adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Separating the eggs from the adults improves fry survival.
As a schooling species, Skull Creek Rainbowfish should be kept in groups. Small numbers often result in timid behaviour and less vibrant colouration.
These active swimmers require ample open space. A longer aquarium allows them to display their natural schooling behaviour.
While they readily accept prepared foods, frozen and live foods improve colour, health and breeding success.
Regular water changes and stable water conditions are essential for maintaining vibrant colours and long-term health.
Aggressive or fin-nipping fish can stress rainbowfish and prevent them from displaying their natural behaviour.
Overcrowding the aquarium with decorations can restrict swimming. Balance planted areas with open water for the best results.
Livestock is dispatched with heat/cool packs and oxygen from our Melbourne facility, timed for the safest transit. Live arrivals may be scheduled for the best shipping window. A live arrival guarantee applies - contact us within the required window if anything is not right.
We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.
This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.
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