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: 7.2 - 7.8; dH range: 10 - ?. Tropical; 22°C - 32°C (Ref. 2060); 9°S - 10°S
Oceania: occurs in numerous streams within a 35 km radius of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 6.5 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 2847); 6.0 cm SL (female)
Inhabits small rainforest creeks (Ref. 2847). An omnivorous egg layer and peaceful community fish preferring rock, plant and driftwood cover in aquarium conditions (pH=7.5, H=10, 26°C water temperature) (Ref. 6398).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).
Allen, G.R., 1991. Field guide to the freshwater fishes of New Guinea. Publication, no. 9. 268 p. Christensen Research Institute, Madang, Papua New Guinea. (Ref. 2847)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
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