Slender rainbowfish (Melanotaenia gracilis) fish species and information / pictures of Slender rainbowfish - Melanotaenia gracilis

Slender rainbowfish (Melanotaenia gracilis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Melanotaenia gracilis

Common Name
Slender rainbowfish

Biology
Inhabits large water courses and isolated rocky pools generally bordered with paperbark trees (Melaleuca) which have clear waters and minimal flow during the dry season (Ref. 2906, 44894). Large numbers congregate in shady pools around log snags and submerged branches (Ref. 44894). Feeds on insects and their larvae, small crustaceans and algae. Sympatric with M. splendida australis (Ref. 2906). Prefers the following aquarium conditions: pH=7, H=10, 24?C water temperature; is an egg layer and a peaceful community fish (Ref. 6398).

Classification

Classified By

Allen, 1978

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Silversides (Atheriniformes)

Family

Rainbowfishes, blue eyes (Melanotaeniidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: restricted in the Drysdale and King Edward River systems in the extreme northern portion of Western Australia, 500 km southwest of Darwin.

Range

13°S - 16°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

28 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic

Trophic Level

2.99 s.e. 0.37 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

7.5 cm

Common Length

Unknown 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: potential

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (33 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)