Melanotaenia sp. "Running River" Rainbowfish

This undescribed rainbowfish from the Upper Burdekin River was almost lost to hybridization by invading Eastern Rainbowfish! With hobbyist funding and efforts from Austrialian Ichthyologist Dr. Peter Unmack and his lab, pure specimens were raised artificially and reintroduced to another part of the river where no rainbowfish existed previously. The project proved successful as the wild population has since grown and reestablished itself in the new location. However, captive care still ensures the survival of this species should the new population succumb to invasion or habitat loss. 

In captivity, this species can reach 3 to 4 inches, with males display red fins and horizontal black lines along the flanks. Overall this fish expresses a yellowish-green color scheme and is a rare treasure in the rainbowfish hobby!