Melanotaenia papuae Allen, 1981
Papuan rainbowfish

Family:  Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Max. size:  6.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 6 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.19999980926514 - 7.80000019073486; dH range: 10
Distribution:  Oceania: occurs in numerous streams within a 35 km radius of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 14-18
Biology:  Inhabits small rainforest creeks (Ref. 2847). An omnivorous egg layer and peaceful community fish preferring rock, plant and driftwood cover in aquarium conditions (pH=7.5, H=10, 26°C water temperature) (Ref. 6398).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 06 December 2019 (B1ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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