Spotted Rainbow Fish

Spotted Rainbow Fish

Description of the Spotted Rainbow Fish
The Spotted Rainbow Fish is found only in Papua New Guinea and can be identified due the appearance of spots along their sides. The females are much duller in color to the males. This variant of rainbowfish is not as common as other species of rainbowfish.

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

• Size: 6cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp: 20-25 Degrees, PH: 7-8

• Diet / Feeding: Mosquito Larvae, Mysis Shrimp, Bloodworm and Daphnia

• Temperament: Peaceful fish that should be placed in groups of 6 or more

• Habitat: Swamps and Streams in Papua New Guinea, particularly found in areas of dense vegetation

• Behaviour: Lively

• Range: Only found in the North of Papua New Guinea

Scientific Classification of the Spotted 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: Glossolepis maculosus

• Popular Name: Spotted Rainbowfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Atheriniformes

• Family: Melanotaeniidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Spotted 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 Spotted Rainbow Fish slimy?
Spotted Rainbow Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Spotted 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 Spotted Rainbow Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Spotted 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 Spotted 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 Spotted Rainbow Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

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

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

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

Interesting Facts and Information about Spotted Rainbow Fish