The genus is named Pelangia after the Indonesian name for rainbow
("pelangi") with reference to the common name for the family
Melanotaeniidae. The species name mbutaensis is in reference to the type
locality. The colour of the new rainbowfish is relatively dull compared to
most other members of the family. The ground colour is yellowish tan grading
to silvery white on lower half of sides. The largest males have scattered
yellow flecks along the middle of the side. Fins are mainly translucent
except for dusky grey pigmentation on the first dorsal. The difference
between sexes is far less evident in this species than in most
rainbowfishes. Males have a slightly longer first dorsal fin, which slightly
overlaps the second dorsal fin origin when depressed. By contrast, the
depressed first dorsal fin of females fails to reach the dorsal fin origin
or barely reaches it. In addition, males generally have a deeper body than
females. Melanotaenia goldiei was found in the same creek.
Gerald R. Allen, 1998
A new genus and species of Rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) from fresh waters
of Irian Jaya, Indonesia.
Revue Française d'Aquariologie, 25 (1-2): 11-16.
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Adrian R. Tappin
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm
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