Rhadinocentrus ornatus Regan, 1914
Ornate rainbowfish
photo by Hippocampus-Bildarchiv

Family:  Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 6.5; dH range: 4 - 8
Distribution:  Oceania: northern New South Wales and southern Queensland in Australia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Lives in coastal streams and often found in stagnant pools or streams with little or no flow. Inhabits creeks, backwaters of larger streams, ponds and dune lakes. Usually found in sandy coastal country (locally known as 'wallum') in slow-flowing, tannin-stained waters. Prefers the cover of submerged logs and branches, grassy banks, reeds and lily roots (Ref. 44894). Occurs at temperature and pH ranging from 20°-28° C and 5.4-6.5 respectively. Eggs are laid among plants each day during the breeding season. Feeds on insects and their aquatic larvae, microcrustaceans and algae. Popular aquarium fish which readily breeds in captivity (Ref. 44894).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 12 February 2019 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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