Ornate rainbowfish (Rhadinocentrus ornatus)

Scientific name: Rhadinocentrus ornatus Regan, 1914

Ornate rainbowfish (Rhadinocentrus ornatus)

The Ornate rainbowfish (Rhadinocentrus ornatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–30°C (68–86°F). Native range: Oceania, northern New South Wales and southern Queensland in Australia.

Ornate rainbowfish care at a glance

Temperature
20–30°C (68–86°F)

Biology

Lives in coastal streams and often found in stagnant pools or streams with little or no flow. Inhabits creeks, backwaters of larger streams, ponds and dune lakes. Usually found in sandy coastal country (locally known as 'wallum') in slow-flowing, tannin-stained waters. Prefers the cover of submerged logs and branches, grassy banks, reeds and lily roots. Occurs at temperature and pH ranging from 20?-28? C and 5.4-6.5 respectively. Eggs are laid among plants each day during the breeding season. Feeds on insects and their aquatic larvae, microcrustaceans and algae. Popular aquarium fish which readily breeds in captivity.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Rhadinocentrus ornatus
Family
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Order
Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.0
Common length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 4 - 8 pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Oceania: northern New South Wales and southern Queensland in Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

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