Lake Kutubu rainbowfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits a highland lake and its outlet about 220 km upstream from the Gulf of Papua . An omnivore and egg laying species which is considered in the aquarium trade as a peaceful community fish. Prefers the following aquarium conditions: pH=7.3, H=12, 27°C water temperature, needs rocks, plants and driftwood cover .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 14; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17 - 21. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lake Kutubu rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 12. Tropical; 20°C - 24°C ; 6°S - 7°S known only from Lake Kutubu and its outlet, the Soro River, in the Kikori River drainage of the Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Melanotaenia Lacustris 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 Lake Kutubu rainbowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lake Kutubu rainbowfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
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