Species Profile: Chilatherina sentaniensis

Common Name:   Sentani rainbowfish

Species Photo by: Ryan Lee

Description:   Chilatherina sentaniensis was originally described as Rhombatractus sentaniensis by Weber in 1907 and assigned to the genus Chilatherina by Regan in 1914. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Chilatherina genus is their deep, laterally compressed body that increases with age, particularly in males, and Chilatherina sentaniensis is no different. Their overall body colouration is silvery-blue or greenish on the upper back fading laterally to orange or red. They have a diffuse blue or green mid-lateral band and narrow silver or light blue stripes between each horizontal scale rows. Males often show 6-8 reddish-brown bars on the lower sides of the body between the pectoral fin base and the level of the middle anal rays. However, colour can be variable depending on captive conditions. Males are more brightly coloured, larger, and deeper bodied than females. Males may reach a maximum size of 12 cm, but females are usually less than 10 cm.

Category:   Rainbowfish

Global Region:   Oceania

Distribution:   Lake Sentani and tributaries

CARES Classification:   Extinct in the Wild