Species Profile: Melanotaenia Ogilbyi

Common Name:   Ogilby's Rainbowfish

Species Photo by: Taoyeah Deng

Description:   Melanotaenia ogilbyi were originally collected from pandanus swamps on the lower Lorentz River in New Guinea. These were taken during the Dutch New Guinea Expedition of 1907. This species belongs to the "Maccullochi Species Group" of rainbowfishes. The main differences between this species and its nearest relatives, M. papuae, M. maccullochi, M. sexlineata and M. mairasi are related to colour pattern. Melanotaenia ogilbyi have a bluish colouration on the sides and back, becoming whitish ventrally. Each horizontal scale row on the body is separated by narrow red stripes with a blackish midlateral stripe. Fins are bluish to translucent, anterior edge of first dorsal fin and outer portions of second dorsal and anal fins dusky in males. Pelvis and pectoral fins translucent. Melanotaenia ogilbyi may reach a maximum size of 10 cm, but usually less than 8 cm.

Category:   Cichlids

Global Region:   Oceania

Distribution:   Lake Timika

CARES Classification:   Vulnerable