Common names from other countries
Teleostei (teleosts) >
Atheriniformes (Silversides) >
Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes, blue eyes)
Etymology: Iriatherina: Greek, iris, -idos = iridiscent + Greek, atherina = the Greek name of eperlane, 1770 (Ref. 45335).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 12. Tropical; 26°C - 30°C (Ref. 2060); 5°S - 10°S
Asia and Oceania: central-southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 4.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 44894); 3.0 cm SL (female); common length : 3.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 44894)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
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).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturities | Reproduction | Spawnings | Egg(s) | Fecundities | Larvae
Allen, G.R., 1989. Freshwater fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey. (Ref. 5259)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435)
CITES (Ref. 128078)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
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Estimates based on models
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82804): PD
50 = 1.0000 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.01122 (0.00514 - 0.02450), b=3.04 (2.87 - 3.21), in cm Total Length, based on all LWR estimates for this body shape (Ref.
93245).
Trophic level (Ref.
69278): 2.8 ±0.34 se; based on food items.
Resilience (Ref.
120179): High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.).
Fishing Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): Low vulnerability (10 of 100).