Lake Wanam rainbowfish (Glossolepis wanamensis)

Scientific name: Glossolepis wanamensis Allen & Kailola, 1979

The Lake Wanam rainbowfish (Glossolepis wanamensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–30°C (79–86°F). Native range: Oceania, known only from Lake Wanam, a roughly circular lake situated on a small plateau 24 km west of Lae, Papua New Guinea.

Lake Wanam rainbowfish care at a glance

Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 18 - 21

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Glossolepis wanamensis
Family: Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Order: Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 9.0
Depth range: 10 m (33 ft)
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.8 - ?; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic; depth range 10 - 10 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Oceania: known only from Lake Wanam, a roughly circular lake situated on a small plateau 24 km west of Lae, Papua New Guinea.
Conservation status (IUCN): Critically Endangered (CR) (A1ae)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)