Melanotaenia monticola Allen, 1980
Mountain rainbowfish

Family:  Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea between Mendi and Lake Kutubu, in the Purari River system, Omei Creek, 15 km south of Mendi and streams near Pimaga (13 km southeast of Lake Kutubu).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 18-21
Biology:  Inhabits high altitude headwater tributaries at elevations between 790-1600 m (Ref. 2847). Is an omnivore and egg laying species, considered a peaceful community fish and prefers the following aquarium conditions: pH=7.8, H=16, 19°C water temperature; rock, plant and driftwood cover (Ref. 6398).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 05 December 2019 (B1ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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