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Allen and Cross, 1980
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Description
Body ovate and laterally compressed. Two dorsal fins, separated by a small gap, the first much smaller than the second. Mature males have a higher first dorsal fin, which overlaps the origin of the second dorsal fin when depressed. Growing to a length of around 11 cm, males are usually deeper bodied than females. The natural colours of Melanotaenia ajamaruensis remain unknown. The type specimens preserved in the Leiden museum are the only ones ever collected.
Distribution
Melanotaenia ajamaruensis were found in March 1955 by Marinus Boeseman and his companions in the Ajamaru Lakes, a complex of lakes on the Ajamaru River in the centre of the Vogelkop Peninsula, West Papua.
Habitat & Ecology
A lake and stream dwelling rainbowfish found in relatively clear alkaline water, with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Remarks
Named ajamaruensis with reference to the Ajamaru Lakes, the type locality and only known collection site for this species thus far. The local name for this species is 'sigak' according to field notes.
© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated January, 2007.
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