Melanotaenia albimarginata Allen, Hadiaty, Unmack & Erdmann, 2015
Whitetip rainbowfish

Family:  Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Max. size:  9.09 cm SL (male/unsexed); 7.11 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 8 - 8.64
Distribution:  Asia: Alur Warnafa, a triburary of Sungai Unmar in Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 19-22. Melanotaenia albimarginata is distinguished by the following combination of characters: V or VI-I,11 or 12 dorsal-fin rays; I,19-22 anal-fin rays; 14-15 pectoral-fin rays; 35-36 scales on lateral line, 16-18 predorsal scales; 12-19 cheek scales; 16-18 total gill rakers on first arch; greatest body depth of adult male 36.2 % SL; least depth of caudal peduncle 9.6-10.9 % SL; color in life dappled grey on upper side, dark grey midlateral stripe (1-2 scales wide) with equally broad yellow stripe immediately below; dorsal and anal fins with greyish membranes and whitish to pale yellow fin rays; caudal semitranslucent grey with prominent white marking at tip of upper and lower lobes (Ref. 110723).
Biology:  The type locality during January 2013 visit had very clear and slow flowing water with depths ranging from about 1-3 m while during December 2013 visit it had water levels generally higher with stronger current, and reduced visibility due to the onset of monsoonal rains. The bottom was composed of relatively smooth limestone pavement with few aquatic plants (Cryptocoryne cilliata), littered with leaf and log debris. Repeatedly took refuge among the dead branches of fallen trees when pursued. Found syntopic with Melanotaenia senckenbergianus, Craterocephalus cf. randi, Ambassis interrupta, Glossamia aprion, Awous acritosus, Glossogobius concavifrons, Redigobius bikolanusStiphodon atratus, Eleotris fusca, and Oxyeleotris mertoni (Ref. 110723).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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