| Family: |
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes) |
| Max. size: |
7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 6.5 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Oceania: restricted in the Drysdale and King Edward River systems in the extreme northern portion of Western Australia, 500 km southwest of Darwin. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Inhabits large water courses and isolated rocky pools generally bordered with paperbark trees (Melaleuca) which have clear waters and minimal flow during the dry season (Ref. 2906, 44894). Large numbers congregate in shady pools around log snags and submerged branches (Ref. 44894). Feeds on insects and their larvae, small crustaceans and algae. Sympatric with M. splendida australis (Ref. 2906). Prefers the following aquarium conditions: pH=7, H=10, 24°C water temperature; is an egg layer and a peaceful community fish (Ref. 6398). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 February 2019 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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