Black-banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia nigrans) fish species and information / pictures of Black-banded rainbowfish - Melanotaenia nigrans

Black-banded rainbowfish (Melanotaenia nigrans) fish species information

Scientific Name
Melanotaenia nigrans

Common Name
Black-banded rainbowfish

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).

Classification

Classified By

Richardson, 1843

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Silversides (Atheriniformes)

Family

Rainbowfishes, blue eyes (Melanotaeniidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: occurs only in Australia.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

18 °C

Water Temperature To

24 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 5.2 - 5.6; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic

Trophic Level

2.87 s.e. 0.35 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

10.0 cm

Common Length

6.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (31 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Spawns throughout the year (Ref. 5259))

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated