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Bleher's rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) — Melanotaeniidae

Bleher's rainbowfish

Chilatherina bleheri

The Bleher's rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) is a freshwater fish of the family Melanotaeniidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Bleher's rainbowfish is a rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) endemic to Lake Holmes and nearby in New Guinea. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with two dorsal fins and a metallic sheen; adult males colour vivid red to orange. As a lively schooling fish it swims in the clear lake and eats small invertebrates, insect larvae and algae. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bleher's rainbowfish?

The Bleher's rainbowfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Bleher's rainbowfish live?

The Bleher's rainbowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Bleher's rainbowfish get?

The Bleher's rainbowfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Bleher's rainbowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bleher's rainbowfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Bleher's rainbowfish edible?

Yes, the Bleher's rainbowfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bleher's rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) — Melanotaeniidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) thepigeongirl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Bleher's rainbowfish sourced
Scientific name
Chilatherina bleheri
Family
Melanotaeniidae
Other names
Bleher's Rainbowfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chilatherina

More from the family Melanotaeniidae

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