Species Profile: Chilatherina fasciata 'Sentani'

Description:   A Lake Sentani tributary form of the widespread Chilatherina fasciata, often confused with the distinct C. sentaniensis, which is endemic to the same lake and its tributaries. This mix-up began in the 1980s after C. fasciata collected from the Jafuri River in 1982 entered the aquarium trade as C. sentaniensis. Gerald Allen later clarified the error. True C. sentaniensis is distinguished by its notably longer snout, remains critically endangered, and is virtually absent from the hobby, whereas C. fasciata forms such as this are well established in the trade. Lake Sentani, surrounded by the Cyclops Mountains and dotted with 16 islands, has been heavily impacted by introduced fishes and increasing human activity.

Category:   Rainbowfish

Global Region:   Asia

Distribution:   Lake Sentani and tributary streams (e.g. Jafuri River), West Papua, Indonesia