Sahul rainbowfish
📖 Overview
Known from large lateral floodplain systems and small swampy creeks, including dune lakes, with dense cover. Occurs in lily lagoons and is most frequently found in acid waters (pH 5.5-7.0). The largest fish recorded in wild was 4.06 cm SL (4.97 mm TL: AM I.21008-005; 4.84 cm SL from captive stock from Skull Creek, near Bamaga), and the fish attributable to this form (Skull Creek) grow larger in captivity (around 50 mm SL or 60 mm TL: NTM S.18153-001) .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17; Vertebrae: 32 - 35. This species with well-contrasted dark lateral body stripes, is distinguished by the following set of characters: D V-VII, I,7-10 (mode 8); A I,15-17 (mode 16); total procurrent caudal rays 12-16 (mode 13); lateral scales 31-34 (mode 33); cheek scales often 9-12; total gill rakers on first arch 14-18; vertebrae 32-35 (mode 34); body very deep with greatest depth 2.6-3.7 (mean 3.0) in SL, greatest width 1.7-2.9 (mean 2.0) in HL; maxilla relatively long 3.2-4.2 (mean 3.6) in HL; long predorsal distance 1.8-2.2 (mean 2.0) in SL. Colouration: when alive silver to grey body with a series of black lateral stripes; fins with distinct contrasting colour zones, separated by a thick dark submarginal band, most distinct in nuptial males .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sahul rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Sahul rainbowfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Sahul rainbowfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.5 - 7.0; depth range 0 - 1 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Melanotaenia Sahulensis 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 Sahul rainbowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sahul rainbowfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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