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| Melanotaenia splendida tatei [Finke River] - photo© Günther Schmida |
(Zietz, 1896)
Desert Rainbowfish
Description
Two colour forms exist; in one form males have a purple body with yellow-green fins, with dark flecks and a dark border. The other form has a blue-green body with similar colouration on their fins. During spawning the belly of the male turns bright pink. Females and juveniles have plain silvery bodies with clear fins. Melanotaenia splendida tatei are not easily identified relative to several other splendida species and subspecies. Principal differences are body depth, scale counts, and colour pattern, which is variable depending on location and water conditions.
Distribution
They inhabit the central arid region of Australia, which includes parts of the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Melanotaenia splendida tatei occurs throughout most rivers in central Australia as well as the Paroo, Warrego and upper Darling Rivers (and other streams between those tributaries).
Habitat & Ecology
Melanotaenia splendida tatei are found in semi-permanent streams, springs, artesian bores (wells), and lagoons. During prolonged droughts the fish are confined to isolated pools. Their natural environment is subjected to seasonal variations with water temperatures ranging between 24° Celsius during the dry season and up to 33° Celsius in the wet season. The water is generally alkaline (pH 7.2 - 8.0); however, they are occasionally found in acidic conditions (pH 6.5 - 6.9). They are usually found around sub-surface vegetation, submerged logs, or branches. May reach a maximum size of 10 cm, but usually less than 8 cm SL. They are omnivorous and will consume algae, aquatic plants and various invertebrates.
Strong sexual dimorphism is present in the species with males typically being larger and brighter in colouration. During spawning the ventral region of the male turns bright pink. Spawning typically takes place during the warmer months, usually October to December, or whenever ample rain falls. Females produce between 100 and 200 eggs, spawning a number of times daily for several days. Eggs adhere to water plants and hatching occurs after 6-7 days. Spawning more commonly occurs in the morning with eggs being scattered over vegetation or aquatic debris. They probably mature within a few months at around 30-50 mm. They have broad physiological tolerances.
Remarks
Melanotaenia splendida tatei was named by Zietz in 1896. The name is based on Greek, melano meaning black; taenia meaning band; splendida meaning bright or glistening and tatei after Ralph Tate, a natural historian who was on the 1894 Horn Expedition that first collected this species. This species has never generated much interest among Australian aquarists, except for a few dedicated rainbowfish enthusiasts and is still relatively uncommon in the international hobby. Most people tend to keep their more colourful relatives.
© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated January, 2007.
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