Bleher's rainbowfish
📖 Overview
Bleher's rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) is a ray-finned fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12 cm. With a trophic level of 2.8, it is an omnivore, consuming both plant and animal matter. It is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 16; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 21 - 26. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bleher's rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Bleher's rainbowfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Bleher's rainbowfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 7.0 - ? ; dH range: 8 - 15. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C ; 2°S - 3°S known only from Lake Holmes (Danau Bira) in the lower Mamberamo River system in Irian Jaya, Indonesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Bleher's rainbowfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Bleher's rainbowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Bleher's rainbowfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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