Dority

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration:

  • Males: Male M. dorityi are strikingly beautiful, displaying a range of colors. They typically have a blue or greenish body with iridescent orange, red, or yellow hues along the flanks, particularly around the mid-body and extending toward the tail. Their fins are often red or orange, adding to their visual appeal.
  • Females: Females are more subdued, usually exhibiting a silver or light blue body with less vibrant coloration on the fins.

• Size: Dority's Rainbowfish can grow to about 3.5 to 4 inches (9 to 10 cm) in length, with males typically being larger and more vibrantly colored than females.

• Lifespan: With good care, these fish can live for 5-8 years in captivity.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Dority's Rainbowfish are endemic to Papua New Guinea, where they are found in clear, fast-moving rivers and streams.

• Tank Environment: To replicate their natural habitat, a well-aerated tank with clear water and some plants will provide them with the best conditions. They also appreciate open swimming spaces, as they are active swimmers.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Schooling Fish: Like other rainbowfish species, M. dorityi are schooling fish that thrive in groups. Keeping them in a school of six or more encourages natural social behaviors and helps males display their full coloration.

• Peaceful and Active: They are peaceful and do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Dority's Rainbowfish are active swimmers, often occupying the mid-to-upper water column in an aquarium.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a small school, although larger tanks (55 gallons or more) are preferred for optimal swimming space.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: Ideal temperatures range between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
  • pH: A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 7.0-8.0 is preferred.
  • Water Hardness: They do well in moderately hard water, with a GH of 8-12.

• Filtration and Aeration: Use a strong filtration system to maintain excellent water quality, as these fish prefer clean, oxygenated water.

• Aquascaping: Dority's Rainbowfish enjoy open swimming areas with some dense planting at the edges of the tank. Plants like Java fern, Anubias, or Vallisneria can provide shelter and create a natural feel without obstructing their swimming.

5. Diet

• Omnivorous: M. dorityi are omnivores that require a varied diet for optimal health and vibrant coloration.

• Diet Options:

  • High-quality tropical fish flakes or pellets
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
  • Vegetable matter such as algae wafers or blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini)

• Diet Variation: Feeding a variety of foods is key to maintaining their bright colors and health.

6. Breeding

• Egg Scattering Species: Dority's Rainbowfish are egg scatterers, like most rainbowfish. Males become more colorful during breeding and perform courtship displays to entice females.

• Spawning: Females will scatter eggs on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs typically hatch in 7-10 days, and the fry need to be fed infusoria or other suitable fry food until they can eat larger foods like baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

7. Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Dority's Rainbowfish are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:

  • Other rainbowfish species
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Small loaches

• Avoid Aggressive Fish: Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species that may bully them or outcompete them for food.

8. Fun Facts

• Color Intensity: Male Dority's Rainbowfish display brighter colors during mating and social interactions. Their coloration can intensify during these periods or when establishing dominance.
• Rare in the Hobby: This species is rare and not commonly found in the aquarium trade, making it a prized addition for collectors of rainbowfish.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Visually Stunning: Their vibrant color pattern and active schooling behavior make them a focal point in a planted or community aquarium.
• Relatively Hardy: Despite their exotic appearance, they are relatively hardy and suitable for intermediate aquarists, provided that water conditions are kept stable.

Key Care Tips:

• Group Living: Keep them in schools of six or more for optimal health and behavior.
• Stable Water Quality: Maintaining stable, clean water is crucial for their health and coloration.
• Varied Diet: A varied diet with both plant-based and protein-rich foods will ensure they stay healthy and vibrant.