Moswaren rainbowfish

📖 Overview

Moswaren rainbowfish (Melanotaenia multiradiata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.3 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 2 metres. With a trophic level of 2.9, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 17; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 23 - 26. This species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: D IV-VI + I, 14-17 (usually V + I, 15); A I,23-26 (rarely 23); pectoral rays 14-17 (usually 15-16); lateral scales 37-38; transverse scales 9; predorsal scales 17-19; circumpeduncular scales 12 or 13; total gill rakers on 1st arch 16-19 ( usually 17 or 18); total scales covering preoperculum 13-17 (mean 15.8); origin of 1st dorsal fin usually about eye diameter behind level of anal-fin origin, but occasionally level of dorsal and anal-fin origins about even; greatest body depth of adult male 2.7-3.2 in SL. Colour in life generally bluish green to yellowish, grading to white ventrally; mid-lateral dark stripe usually present, broader and more prominent on posterior half of body; dorsal fins with dark submarginal stripe and pale outer margin .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Moswaren rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 2 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Moswaren rainbowfish.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute