I am not sure how available M. japanensis is over in the USA but I don't
think it is available over here in Oz. Certainly I have only seen pictures.
However the photo of M. rubrostriata in that reference you quote is a very
poor one and M. rubrostriata is commonly available in both countries and
could very well be the fish you describe. Some strains of this species are
spectacular and others are ordinary. Usually the result of poor quality
control or crossing with M. splendida inornata.
Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, A.N.G.F.A., Advancing Australian Aquatics.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Carter <Paul.Carter at lor.co.uk>
To: 'Rainbow List' <rainbowfish at pcug.org.au>
Date: Tuesday, 25 August 1998 23:04
Subject: [RML] Rainbow Identification
>The book "Rainbowfishes in Nature and the Aquarium" by Dr. Gerald R
>Allen, shows a similar fish on page 121, this being Mel. japenensis.
>