Western rainbowfish (Melanotaenia australis)

Scientific name: Melanotaenia australis Castelnau, 1875

The Western rainbowfish (Melanotaenia australis) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F).

Western rainbowfish care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 16 - 21

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanotaenia australis
Family: Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Order: Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 11.0
Common length: 8.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0 pelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Oceania: widespread in northwestern Australia; throughout the Pilbara region of Western Australia between the Ashburton and DeGrey Rivers and in the Kimberley region in the extreme northern part of Western Australia between the Fitzroy River and the Northern Territory border. Also in the northwestern sector of the Timor Sea drainage of the Northern Territory as far as the Adelaide River just east of Darwin.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)