Macculloch's rainbowfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits lowland swamps and small streams, usually in clear, acidic waters with ample cover in the form of log debris or aquatic vegetation. Occurs at temperatures ranging from 24-30° C . Found in clear waters of small creeks and Pandanus swamps. pH range is 5.5-7 . Commonly co-occurs with Melanotaenia splendida and is often found in association with other wetland fish species particularly Pseudomugil gertrudae and Oxyeleotris nullipora ,
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 13 - 17; Vertebrae: 32 - 35. This species with well-contrasted dark lateral body stripes, is distinguished by the following set of characters: D V-VI,I,8-10 (mode 9); A I,13-17 (mode 15); procurrent caudal rays 12-15 (mode 13); lateral line scales 30-33 (mode 32); cheek scales often 9-12; total gill rakers on first arch 13-18 (usually 14-16); vertebrae 32-35 (mode 33); body is moderately deep with greatest depth 2.8-3.7 (mean 3.3) in SL and greatest width 1.8-3.1 (mean 2.2) in HL; maxilla is relatively long 3.0-3.8 (mean 3.4) in HL; long predorsal distance 1.9-2.3 (mean 2.1) in SL. Colouration: when alive bronze to brown body lighter on ventral half with a series of dark brown lateral stripes; fins are orange to rich red especially in nuptial males, sometimes with lines of spots or a horizontal line near base but never as a thick submarginal band .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Macculloch's rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Melanotaenia maccullochi is an omnivore, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, algae and terrestrial invertebrates.
🥚 Reproduction
Produces 150-200 eggs. Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - ? ; dH range: 10 - ?. Tropical; 20°C - 25°C ; 6°S - 10°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Macculloch'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 Macculloch's rainbowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Macculloch's rainbowfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nematocentris maccullochi | Ogilby | 1915 | Synonym |
| Nematocentrus maccullochi | Ogilby | 1915 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
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