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Ajamaru rainbowfish (Melanotaenia ajamaruensis) — Melanotaeniidae

Ajamaru rainbowfish

Melanotaenia ajamaruensis

The Ajamaru rainbowfish (Melanotaenia ajamaruensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Ajamaru rainbowfish is a rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) from the clear lakes and streams of the Ajamaru region on the Bird's Head of New Guinea in the western Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a laterally compressed body that in the male shines in blue, yellow and reddish tints. As a social schooling fish it swims in groups and snaps at insect larvae, small plankton and algae. It is threatened by habitat loss. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ajamaru rainbowfish?

The Ajamaru rainbowfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Ajamaru rainbowfish live?

The Ajamaru rainbowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Ajamaru rainbowfish get?

The Ajamaru rainbowfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Ajamaru rainbowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ajamaru rainbowfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ajamaru rainbowfish sourced
Scientific name
Melanotaenia ajamaruensis
Family
Melanotaeniidae
Other names
Ajamaru lakes rainbowfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Melanotaenia

More from the family Melanotaeniidae

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