Murray River Rainbowfish and Similar Species
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Murray River Rainbowfish. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Eastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida splendida
Key differences: M. fluviatilis generally has a more slender body and a more pronounced mid-lateral stripe, often reddish. M. splendida splendida tends to be deeper-bodied and its coloration can be more variable, often with vertical bars or blotches, and typically lacks the distinct crimson spots on scales.
Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish (Northern form)
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Key differences: While M. fluviatilis is sometimes referred to as 'Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish', the true M. duboulayi is found further north in coastal drainages of Queensland and northern New South Wales. M. fluviatilis has a more restricted distribution to the Murray-Darling Basin. Morphologically, M. duboulayi often has a deeper body and more intense red coloration, particularly in the fins.
Explore Murray River Rainbowfish
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.