| Family: |
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes) |
| Max. size: |
10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 5.19999980926514 - 5.59999990463257; dH range: 10 |
| Distribution: |
Oceania: occurs only in Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Inhabits rainforest streams, lily lagoons and small streams. Also occurs in larger streams, usually in backwaters or along the shoreline where there is minimal flow and grassy vegetation. Often found in brackish coastal waters (Ref. 7020, 44894). Temperature and pH ranges are 23°-28°C and 5.5-7, respectively (Ref. 44894). Feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae, and also filamentous green algae. Usually co-occurs with other species of rainbows and blue-blue eyes. A popular aquarium species which thrives in captivity. Type species (first species to be described) of the family Melanotaeniidae (Ref. 44894). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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