Three new species of rainbowfish have been described. Glossolepis leggetti
(cheers to Ray) is found in the Wapoga River system in northern Irian Jaya. It
superficially resembles Glossolepis multisquamatus but is more slender and
different in some fin and scale counts. Additionally it has a more distinct
lateral line and some inconspicuous black dots on the lateral line which
resemble on G. maculosus. max. length ca. 110 mm (males, females slightly
smaller). An attractive species.
Melanotaenia rubripinnis is found in the same area. It's most closely related to
M. vanheurni but differs by colouration (chiefly). Mating specimens show a dark
reddish brown upper body, a broad black lateral line, below a white line with
all scales bordered orange, a whitish lower part and red fins (male). Smaller
specimens are whitish with only transparent fins. The only characteristic is the
very prominent dark lateral line. Adults (max length ca. 11 cm) make a very
attractive look.
The last species is Melanotaenia batanta from Batanta Island. It superficially
resembles M. fredericki in fin shape. However, beside some meristic facts it
differs by colour. The lateral line is not prominent, the basic colouration blue
with nearly no red like found in fredericki, every horizontal scale row is
bordered below and above by an orange line which makes about five good visible
orange lines. Maximum length about 10 cm, halfgrown specimens look not really
brillant, but nothing known by me about adult and mating specimens. Adult
specimens may be neon blue on upper half.
Best regards
Harro Hieronimus, Solingen, Germany
harro.hieronimus at t-online.de
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No fish - no fun
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