Common Name:  Crimsonspotted Rainbowfish

Description

Melanotaenia duboulayi can reach a maximum size of 12 cm SL, but are usually less than 10 cm. They have a slender and compressed body shape with depth increasing with age. Two dorsal fins, very close together, the first much smaller than the second. They exhibit considerable colour variations over their wide geographical range. Generally, the body is silvery-blue or green ranging through deep bluish or yellow tones. The scale rows are marked with narrow yellow lines and overlaid with orange to brilliant red. A prominent spot of crimson red is seen on the operculum, the fin colours are variable from clear, yellowish to red, with red flecks and dark margins. These dark margins become intensely black in males during spawning activities. The larger males are easily distinguished from females by their brighter colours and can usually be identified from the elongation of posterior rays in the second dorsal and anal fins. Females have rounded dorsal and anal fins, which are smaller and lack the dark edges.

Category:   Rainbowfish

Global Region:   Oceania

Distribution:   Snapper Creek

CARES Classification:   Near Threatened