Ajamaru lakes Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia ajamaruensis
Family: Melanotaeniidae
Distribution: First collected in 1955 by Dr. M. Boeseman, former Curator of Fishes of the Rijksmuseum in Leiden, the Ajamaru lakes Rainbowfish is endemic to the Ajamaru Lakes area near the centre of the Vogelkop Peninsula in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Despite an extensive scientific expedition by Heiko Blehler to the region in 1982, the species has not been observed since 1955.
Located at the headwaters of the Ajamaru River, the Ajamaru lake is estimated to be of no more than 33 feet (10 metres) deep, is located 180 feet (55 metres) above sea level and is situated in a region surrounded by low hills. Abundant in flourishing plant life, this lake is almost clear, very alkaline and is located in a swampy basin.
PH: At least 8.0. Keep it very alkaline in order to mimic that of Ajamaru Lake.
Temperature: Approx 26°C
Hardness: 5 gDH approx based on the hardness of Lake Ajamaru.
Description: Very little is known about the social habits, gender traits and temperament of this reclusive freshwater tropical fish although we can infer similarities from its relative, the showy and exquisitely beautiful, Melanotaenia boesemani (Boeseman’s Rainbow).
It is known that the Ajamaru lakes Rainbowfish grows to an estimated 8.5 – 11cm (max 4.3 inches). Its colouration is believed to be similar to that of Melanotaenia boesemani, a vibrant green to yellow, based on dead preserved specimens.
Diet: Unknown.
Breeding: Melanotaenia ajamaruensis have never been bred in an aquarium. In their natural environment, this species distinctly pair, are open stream egg scatterers and do not guard their eggs. It is not known how they would react in a captive environment.
Comments: The Ajamaru lakes Rainbowfish have not been kept in aquariums so the information given here is purely theoretical, and based on its current natural habitat. If you could mimic Ajamaru lake as much as possible by keeping the water clear and highly alkaline, this species could, in theory, be a potential for the aquarium environment.
By providing your fish with an array of places in which to hide and populating your tank with abundant, closely grown plant life could enhance your chance for a healthy environment. Of course, obtaining an actual Melanotaenia ajamaruensis would be your biggest hurdle given that they haven’t been seen for the last 54 years.
Based on what we know of the similar Melanotaenia boesemani and how they react in aquariums, we could infer that the Ajamaru lakes Rainbowfish would be peaceful and perfectly at home in larger, community tanks.
Article/Books:
Setting up a Tropical Aquarium Week by Week
Culturing Live Foods: A Step-By-Step Guide to Producing Food for Your Home Aquarium
Today’s Essential Guide to Growing Aquarium Plants: The Aquamaster Series
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