Craterocephalus marianae

Ivantsoff, Crowley & Allen, 1987

Mariana’s Hardyhead

Species Summary

A little-known Northern Territory endemic, Craterocephalus marianae is restricted to the South and East Alligator Rivers and the Mann River in Arnhem Land. Despite its distinct range on the far side of the continent from most of its similarly named relative, Marjorie’s Hardyhead (C. marjoriae), the two species are frequently confused with one another.

Etymology

The species honours Mariana, daughter of Walter Ivantsoff, one of the paper’s authors.

Etymology compiled from C. Scharpf (2020), “Fishes of Sahul: An Etymological Survey (Part 3)”, Fishes of Sahul 34(2): 1568–1582, and etyfish.org.

Keeping & Caring

General husbandry follows the same broad pattern as other Australian hardyheads: a planted aquarium, a mixed diet of small live and prepared foods, and company from other small, peaceful native fish. Aquarium breeding has been recorded for this species, following a similar pattern to its relatives.

Compiled for Home of the Rainbowfish from ANGFA sources: A. R. Tappin, “Craterocephalus marianae, Ivantsoff, Crowley & Allen 1987, Mariana’s Hardyhead”, In-Stream 22(12), December 2013, pp. 22–23.