Iriatherina werneri Meinken, 1974
Threadfin rainbowfish
photo by Hippocampus-Bildarchiv

Family:  Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Max. size:  4 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 12
Distribution:  Asia and Oceania: central-southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 10-12
Biology:  Inhabits lowland swamps, drainage ditches and streams that have abundant vegetation (Ref. 2847). Occurs in slow-flowing streams, swampy ponds and billabongs with abundant aquatic vegetation. Temperature and pH ranges are 23°-28°C and 5.2-6.6, respectively (Ref. 44894). Most commonly found along the heavily vegetated margins of lily lagoons and small streams. Feeds mostly on diatoms and micro-crustaceans. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539). Well established in the aquarium hobby, but its longetivity is relatively brief, averaging only 2-3 years (Ref. 44894).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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