Cairns rainbowfish (Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides)

Scientific name: Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides Nichols & Raven, 1928

The Cairns rainbowfish (Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 21–25°C (70–77°F). Native range: Oceania, endemic to Australia.

Cairns rainbowfish care at a glance

Temperature
21–25°C (70–77°F)

Biology

Occurs in small rainforest creeks usually in hilly terrain with alternating sections of rapids and rocky pools varying in depth from several centimeters to one to three meters. Bottom composed of boulders, cobbles and gravel with minimal plant growth. In spite of the limited distribution its future seems secure as long as the rainforest habitat of the Bellenden Ker Range is protected. Much of this area lies within a national park.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides
Family
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Order
Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
8.5
Common length
6.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 7.2 - 7.6; dH range: 10 - ? demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Oceania: endemic to Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable (VU) (A1ce, D2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec = 131)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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