Melanotaenia eachamensis Allen & Cross, 1982
Lake Eacham rainbowfish
Melanotaenia eachamensis
photo by Aland, G.

Family:  Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Max. size:  6.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 7.40000009536743
Distribution:  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.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  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).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 15 February 2019 (B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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