Glossolepis multisquamata

(Weber & de Beaufort, 1922)

Vernacular names
English : Sepik rainbowfish
French : Poisson arc-en-ciel de Sepik

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Atheriniformes
Family : Melanotaeniidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 12 cm. Elongated and narrow head, slight hump on back. Upper half of flanks is bright metallic blue, lower half of flanks is bright red. Females are much duller and usually greener, lacking metallic coloration.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to New Guinea and only is only found in the northern parts of the Island. Lives in swamps, small rivers, lakes and lagoons in floodplains.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a fairly small range but can adapt to different habitats. It is vulnerable to pollution and disturbance from mining activities.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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