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)