[RML] Eachamensis update

Adrian R. Tappin (atappin at ecn.net.au)
Tue, 06 May 1997 15:12:32 +1000

Recent research using a range of morphological and meristic characters has
found that M.eachamensis is widespread in the wet tropics area of north
Queensland and has also been found in the Tully and Herbert Rivers
drainages. Studies of the Utchee Creek rainbowfish found that most are
phenotypically indistinguishable from M.eachamensis.

Many specimens in the study exhibited an intermediate set of characters
suggesting that hybridisation between M.splendida splendida and
M.eachamensis may be common place if intermediate body morphologies are
indicative of hybrids. It has been suggested that hybridisation between
these two species is part of the evolutionary process and should be allowed
to run its course.

"Distribution of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish in the Wet Tropics Region,
North Queensland" Australian Journal of Zoology; 1997, 45, 75-84."

Adrian.
........................................
Adrian R. Tappin
Home of the Rainbowfish
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm
........................................