Ornate Rainbowfish, Rhadinocentrus ornatus Regan, 1914
Blue Spotted Sunfish, Moreton Island Sunfish, Neon Light Sunfish, Porthole Fish, Soft-spined Rainbowfish, Soft-spined Sunfish, Southern Soft-spined Sunfish, Southern Sunfish
Introduction
The Ornate Rainbowfish can be recognised by its slightly elongate shape and the dark scale margins that form a network pattern. It occurs in coastal freshwater streams from southern Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Identification
The Ornate Rainbowfish has a slightly elongate, semi-transparent body and dark scale margins that form a network pattern. The species usually has red fins although they may be bluish. Fish from dark, tanin-stained waters can be almost black in colour.
Habitat
It is usually found in slow-flowing streams, ponds and dune lakes.
Distribution
The Ornate Rainbowfish occurs in coastal freshwater streams from southern Queensland to northern New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Economic impacts
The Ornate Rainbowfish is a popular aquarium species.
References
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.