Pygmy rainbowfish (Melanotaenia pygmaea) fish species and information / pictures of Pygmy rainbowfish - Melanotaenia pygmaea

Pygmy rainbowfish (Melanotaenia pygmaea) fish species information

Scientific Name
Melanotaenia pygmaea

Common Name
Pygmy rainbowfish

Biology
Occurs in fast flowing streams interrupted by frequent cascades or rapids. Usually inhabits the deeper pools, often at the base of waterfalls with very clear water and a primarily solid rock bottom with little or no vegetative cover (Ref. 5259, 44894). Inhabits pools and rivulets on sandstone terraces (Ref. 44894). Seen in schools containing up to 50 or more individuals (Ref. 44894). Both sexes can become sexually mature at 2.3 cm SL (Ref. 2906) A popular aquarium species that thrives in captivity (Ref. 44894).

Classification

Classified By

Allen, 1978

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Silversides (Atheriniformes)

Family

Rainbowfishes, blue eyes (Melanotaeniidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: known only from two small tributaries of the Prince Regent River, West Kimberley district, northwestern Australia.

Range

14°S - 16°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

1 m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 1 m

Trophic Level

2.92 s.e. 0.35 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

5.5 cm

Common Length

4.0 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

Fisheries: of no interest

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (27 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)