Running River rainbowfish
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| Running River rainbowfish | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Atheriniformes |
| Family: | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus: | Melanotaenia |
| Species: | M. sp. |
| Binomial name | |
| Melanotaenia sp. | |
The Running River rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp., also known as the Burdekin rainbowfish, Hidden Valley rainbowfish or zig zag rainbowfish[1]) is an undescribed species of rainbowfish found only in freshwater, specifically, Running River, part of the Burdekin River catchment in northern Queensland, Australia. The species used to be included with the Melanotaenia splendida splendida (eastern rainbowfish) but has since been deemed genetically distinct.[2] The species was first documented in 1981.[3] Running River rainbowfish thrive in warm waters with moderate flows[2]. They prefer areas with rocky substrates and lots of riparian vegetation[2].
It is common for Running River rainbowfish to be kept as aquarium pets due to their small size and ease of care.[4]
A yellow/green fish with red fins. They have a yellow midlateral stripe, and narrow black stripes creating a zigzag pattern along the lower side of the fish.[2] The males have an iridescent strip running from the mouth to up and over the ridge of the fish's back and ends at the dorsal fin.[2] Males often have brighter colors for more advantageous mating, while females have more dull coloration. Their body is elongated, and has a laterally compressed body form.[2] They have two dorsal fins, the first with 3–7 spines and the second with 7–22 soft rays.[2] Their anal fin is composed of 1 spine and 15–28 soft rays.[5] They have a rounded caudal fin and pectoral fins that aid in precise swimming.[5] They have cycloid scales covering their body, with approximately 29–40 vertical scale rows.[5] They have a small terminal mouth, perfect for feeding at the surface.[5]
Running River rainbowfish are social fish often found in schools of six or more.[6] They have an omnivorous diet and often feed on shrimp, bloodworms, Daphnia, and riparian vegetation.[6]
Taxonomy
Although discovered in 1982 by Ray Leggett,[7] the species was never formally described as its taxonomy was unclear.[1] However, genetic analysis supports the Running River rainbowfish as a distinct species, rather than a colour variety of the eastern rainbowfish.[7] DNA studies, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of historical and current samples, established its phylogenetic independence.[3] Showing no close genetic relation to other rainbowfishes in the Burdekin River basin.[3] Their taxonomic placement places them among the ray-finned fishes, specifically within the diverse family of rainbowfishes endemic to freshwaters of Australia and New Guinea.[3] Within the genus Melanotaenia (including 89 defined species) the Running River rainbowfish is within a unique lineage in the Australis clade.[3]