Melanotaenia splendida splendida

(Peters, 1866)

Vernacular names
English : Eastern rainbowfish
French : Poisson arc-en-ciel splendide

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Atheriniformes
Family : Melanotaeniidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 20 cm in length. Males and females with yellow-orange spotting on fins. Females pearly grey with fading yellow horizontal bands on flanks. Males brighter with black and yellow bands on flanks, tail fin red.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic Australia, found in the northern parts of the country, in Northern Australia and Queensland. Isolated populations in Southern Australia. Lives in various types of water bodies, rivers, lakes, with little to no water flow.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a fairly large range. It is widespread and common, currently facing no threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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