Murray river rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) fish species and information / pictures of Murray river rainbowfish - Melanotaenia fluviatilis

Murray river rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Melanotaenia fluviatilis

Common Name
Murray river rainbowfish

Biology
Found in rivers, creeks, drains, ponds and reservoirs. Occurs usually in still or slow-flowing conditions (Ref. 7300). Inhabits streams, backwaters of larger rivers, drainage ditches, overflow ponds and reservoirs. Usually congregates along grassy banks or around submerged logs and branches (Ref. 44894). Omnivorous (Ref. 7300). The most southward-ranging rainbowfish and the only species adapted to low winter temperatures (normally about 10?-15?C). There is evidence that numbers are drastically reduced during winter drought when water temperatures dip below 10?C. Suitable for outdoor pond culture in temperate climates (Ref. 44894).

Classification

Classified By

Castelnau, 1878

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Silversides (Atheriniformes)

Family

Rainbowfishes, blue eyes (Melanotaeniidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: endemic to Australia.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

25 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 7.0 - ? ; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic

Trophic Level

2.88 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

11.0 cm

Common Length

8.5 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

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (32 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1; tmax=3-4; K=0.17-0.32)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated