Fauna
Fish

Crimsonspotted Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia duboulayi

Also known as Duboulay's Rainbowfish, Australian Rainbowfish

Crimsonspotted rainbowfish form active, glittering schools in the slow-moving pools and vegetated creeks of eastern Australia. Males display intensified iridescent hues and flare their fins during elaborate morning courtship displays to attract mates. They play an essential ecological role controlling insect populations by voraciously consuming mosquito larvae and other aquatic invertebrates.

FreshwaterSchoolingColorful
Crimsonspotted Rainbowfish reference
(c) Jesse de Vries, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMosquito larvae, Water fleas, Filamentous algae
Predators
  • Azure Kingfisher
  • Australian Bass
  • Little Pied Cormorant
ThreatsHabitat degradation from agricultural runoff, water diversion, and competition from invasive species such as the eastern mosquitofish.
HabitatsFreshwater streams, rivers, lagoons, and swamps with gentle currents and dense aquatic vegetation.
Life span3–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderAtheriniformes
  2. FamilyMelanotaeniidae
  3. GenusMelanotaenia
  4. SpeciesMelanotaenia duboulayi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Shallow Banks: Scan calm, sunlit eddies near overhanging riverbanks in early morning when males actively display.
  • Polarized Glasses: Wear polarized sunglasses to cut water glare and spot the brilliant red spots on the flanks.
  • Preserve Waterways: Avoid disturbing fragile bank vegetation and never release aquarium fish into wild habitats.
Related species
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