Running River rainbowfish facts for kids
The Running River rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp.) is a special type of rainbowfish. It's also known by other names like the Burdekin rainbowfish, Hidden Valley rainbowfish, or zig zag rainbowfish. This fish is found only in a specific place called Running River, which is part of the Burdekin River system in northern Queensland, Australia. It's an "undescribed species," meaning scientists know it's unique but haven't given it a formal scientific name yet.
Quick facts for kids Melanotaenia sp. |
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Atheriniformes
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Melanotaeniidae
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Melanotaenia
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Melanotaenia sp.
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Contents
Discovering the Running River Rainbowfish
This unique fish was first found in 1982 by a person named Ray Leggett. Even though it was discovered a long time ago, scientists haven't officially given it a formal scientific name yet. This is because its "taxonomy" – how it fits into the family tree of fish – was a bit confusing at first.
Why It's a Unique Species
Scientists used special tests called "genetic analysis" to study the fish's DNA. These tests showed that the Running River rainbowfish is truly its own distinct species. It's not just a different color version of another fish, like the eastern rainbowfish. This genetic evidence proved it's unique!
Protecting the Running River Rainbowfish
The Running River rainbowfish lives in a very small area. In the wild, it can only be found in a 13-kilometer (about 8-mile) part of Running River. This section is naturally protected because it's located between two deep gorges.
A New Threat to Survival
In August 2015, two ecologists, Peter Unmack and Michael Hammer, made a worrying discovery. They found that eastern rainbowfish had been introduced into the upper part of Running River. These new fish were mixing with the native Running River rainbowfish. When different species breed together, it's called "hybridizing." This mixing can make the unique Running River rainbowfish lose its special traits.
Becoming Critically Endangered
Because of this serious threat from hybridizing, the Australian Society for Fish Biology took action. In September 2016, they listed the Running River rainbowfish as "critically endangered." This means it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever if we don't help it.
Helping the Fish Survive
To save the Running River rainbowfish, researchers from the University of Canberra and James Cook University started a special program. In August 2015, they began catching some "pure" Running River rainbowfish from the wild. They then started a "captive breeding program" to raise more fish in a safe environment.
By September 2016, they had successfully bred about 3,000 new rainbowfish! These fish, born in captivity, are now being released into two nearby streams: Deception Creek and Puzzle Creek. This reintroduction started in November 2016, giving the Running River rainbowfish a new chance to thrive in safe places.
