Teleostei (teleosts) >
Atheriniformes (Silversides) >
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Etymology: Melanotaenia: Greek, melan, -anos = black + latin, taenia = stripe (Ref. 45335).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 7.4. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C (Ref. 44894)
Oceania: originally known only from Lake Eacham, a circular crater lake situated on the Atherton Tableland in northern Queensland, Australia. Recently recorded at widespread localities on the Tablelands between the Barron and South Johnstone river systems.
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?, range 3 - ? cm
Max length : 6.5 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5259)
Inhabits small creeks and crater lakes where it congregates along the shallow edges among aquatic vegetation (Ref. 44894). Often found among aquatic vegetation, fallen logs or branches (Ref. 11236). Occurs at temperature and pH ranging from 23-27° C and 7.0-7.4 respectively (Ref. 44894).
Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).
Allen, G.R., 1989. Freshwater fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey. (Ref. 5259)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2024-1)
Endangered (EN) (B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v)); Date assessed: 15 February 2019
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Tools
Special reports
Download XML
Internet sources
