Classification / Names
Common names | Synonyms | Catalog of Fishes (gen., sp.) | ITIS | CoL | WoRMS | Cloffa
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Atheriniformes (Silversides) >
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Etymology: Melanotaenia: Greek, melan, -anos = black + latin, taenia = stripe (Ref. 45335).
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C (Ref. 2060), preferred ?
Oceania: widespread in northwestern Australia; throughout the Pilbara region of Western Australia between the Ashburton and DeGrey Rivers and in the Kimberley region in the extreme northern part of Western Australia between the Fitzroy River and the Northern Territory border. Also in the northwestern sector of the Timor Sea drainage of the Northern Territory as far as the Adelaide River just east of Darwin.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 11.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 44894); common length : 8.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 44894)
Habitat is highly variable which includes rivers, creeks, swamps, marshy lagoons, lakes and reservoirs (Ref. 44894). Often forms aggregations at or near the surface of rocky pools or congregates along stream margins where there is vegetative cover or submerged logs and branches (Ref. 44894).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).
Allen, G.R., S.H. Midgley and M. Allen, 2002. Field guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia. 394 p. (Ref. 44894)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 115185)
CITES (Ref. 94142)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Aquarium: commercial
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