Threadfin Rainbow Fish

Threadfin Rainbow Fish

Description of the Threadfin Rainbow Fish
Also known as the Feather Fin Rainbowfish, the Threadfin Rainbowfish is the only species of rainbow fish in the genus Iriatherina. It has extremely pretty long fins. This variety of fish can be found in Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia and lives in swamps and streams and rivers which are dense in vegetation.

Profile of the Threadfin Rainbow Fish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Threadfin Rainbow Fish species.

• Size: Up to 5cm not including tail

• Fish Tank conditions: 26 Degrees, PH 6-7, Soft to Slightly Acidic

• Diet / Feeding: Prefers live food

• Temperament: Very peaceful but recommended to keep in a group of at least 6 other Threadfin's

• Habitat: Swamps and rivers

• Behaviour: Small mouths so can have feeding issues if kept with different species

• Range: Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia

Scientific Classification of the Threadfin Rainbow Fish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Iriatherina werneri

• Popular Name: Feather Fin Rainbowfish, Threadfin Rainbowfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Atheriniformes

• Family: Melanotaeniidaee

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Threadfin Rainbow Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Threadfin Rainbow Fish slimy?
Threadfin Rainbow Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Threadfin Rainbow Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Threadfin Rainbow Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Threadfin Rainbow Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Threadfin Rainbow Fish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Threadfin Rainbow Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Threadfin Rainbow Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Threadfin Rainbow Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Threadfin Rainbow Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Threadfin Rainbow Fish