Melanotaenia corona

Allen, 1982
Corona Rainbowfish

Species Summary
Body laterally compressed and elongated. May reach a maximum size of 12 cm, but usually less than 10 cm. The second dorsal and anal fins are unusually tall compared with other members of the genus. The longest rays are situated in the middle part of these fins, a feature that is typical of some Glossolepis. Live colours unknown.

Distribution & Habitat
Known only from the upper Sermowai River on the north coast of West Papua, about 75 kilometres west of Jayapura. They were collected by Dr. Knud Gjellerup in 1911. Four other species of rainbowfishes were collected by Gjellerup from the Sermowai River: Chilatherina crassispinosa, Chilatherina fasciata, Chilatherina lorentzi and Melanotaenia affinis. However, it is not known if they share the same habitat with Melanotaenia corona.

Remarks
The only 2 known specimens must have escaped Weber and de Beaufort's attention. The holotype is preserved in Amsterdam, the only paratype moved with Gerald Allen to the Western Australian Museum in Perth. Today Melanotaenia corona is still awaiting rediscovery. The specific name is Latin, meaning rim, or border, alluding to the distinctive white margin on the dorsal fins. This species is not currently available in the aquarium hobby.

Literature
Allen, G. R. (1982). Melanotaenia corona, a new species of rainbowfish from northern New Guinea (Pisces, Atheriniformes, Melanotaeniidae). Bulletin Zoölogisch Museum, Universiteit van Amsterdam 8(21): 173-176.