Glossolepis ramuensis - photo© Neil Armstrong

Glossolepis ramuensis

Species Summary
Males are greenish-brown to purplish on the back and white or mauve on the lower half. There are several narrow orange horizontal lines on the sides; those on the middle above and below the midlateral band are the most vivid. Mature males are usually much larger and deeper bodied than females and have a higher first dorsal fin, which overlaps the origin of the second dorsal fin when depressed.

Distribution & Habitat
Known only from the Ramu Valley and tributaries of the Gogol River near Madang, Papua New Guinea. Glossolepis ramuensis are found in small freshwater streams flowing through rainforest. The streams generally have clear water, a gravel bottom, and very few aquatic plants. Temperature and pH ranges from 26~29° Celsius and pH 7.4~7.9. It is sometimes found together with Chilatherina campsi and Melanotaenia affinis. May reach a maximum size of 10 cm, but usually less than 8 cm.

Remarks
Although discovered in 1983, no live specimens were collected for the aquarium hobby until 1988. They physically looks more like a Chilatherina species rather than Glossolepis.

© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated December, 2008.