Species
Eastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Tier 5Eating3/10ultralight tackleQLDWANT
0 waypoints~6–10 cm typical
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No eastern rainbowfish catches logged yet — log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch
Range & spots
No mapped spots for this species yet.
This species is in the catalog but not yet linked to any mapped waypoint.
Overview: about eastern rainbowfish
Small native rainbowfish of northern Australian rivers, common across QLD and NT. Tiny but stunning; mostly seen by fly-fishers and bait-gatherers. Excellent saratoga and barra bait.
Biology: Eastern Rainbowfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Creek, River
- Typical size
- 6–10 cm (max 14 cm)
- Weight
- 0.01–0.04 kg
- Depth range
- 0–3 m
- Diet
- insects, zooplankton
- Global range
- Northern Australia, New Guinea
How to target: Eastern Rainbowfish angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small flies, mostly bait
Best season: when to catch eastern rainbowfish in Australia
No seasonal pattern for eastern rainbowfish yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.
Where to catch: eastern rainbowfish fishing spots in Australia
No mapped spots or marks for eastern rainbowfish yet. As waypoints are added that list this species, they'll appear here.