Little rainbowfish
📖 Overview
Little rainbowfish (Melanotaenia wilsoni) is a ray-finned fish of the family Melanotaeniidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 3.3 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 1 metres. With a trophic level of 3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 13 - 16; Vertebrae: 31 - 33. This species with well-contrasted dark lateral body stripes, is distinguished by the following set of characters: D IV-VI, I,7-9 (mode 8); A I,13-16 (mode 14); total procurrent caudal rays 11-13 (mode 12); lateral scales 30-32 (mode 31); cheek scales usually 8-9; total gill rakers on first arch 14-16; vertebrae 31-33 (mode 32); body deep with greatest depth 3.1-3.6 (mean 3.3) in SL and greatest width 1.9-2.9 (mean 2.3) in HL; maxilla is relatively short 4.0-4.7 (mean 4.3) in HL; long predorsal distance 1.9-2.1 (mean 2.1) in SL. Colouration: when alive, brown to whitish body with a series of black lateral stripes the middle being the most distinct in having a dark purple hue; fins pale with diffuse patterns and most pronounced in nuptial males .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Little rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 10; depth range 0 - 1 m . Tropical; 23°C - 24°C
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Melanotaenia Wilsoni 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 Little rainbowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Little 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Little rainbowfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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