Glossolepis leggetti
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Species Summary
Glossolepis leggetti was described from 79 specimens collected in 1998. The males have a body colouration that is iridescent green on the back, dull orange to whitish on the breast and lower sides. A diffused blue midlateral band, its colouration most intense posteriorly and bordered immediately below by narrower stripe of light metallic blue. Sides with scattered dark blur flecks or narrow bars. Fins generally translucent although dorsal and anal may be bluish, particularly in adult males. Females are basically the same colour, but less ornate with a narrow midlateral stripe and with the dark flecks and narrow bars on the side considerably reduced. May reach a maximum size of 11 cm, but usually less than 8 cm SL.
Glossolepis leggetti is most closely related to Glossolepis kabia from the Ramu, Sepik, and Mamberamo river systems of northern New Guinea. The two species are similar in general appearance and coloration, although Glossolepis kabia usually lacks scattered dark markings on the side of the body, which are typical of G. leggetti. Moreover, G. leggetti usually has a higher number of soft dorsal rays and fewer predorsal scales (18–23 versus 24–31). In addition, males (in excess of 50 mm SL) of G. leggetti are generally more slender than those of G. kabia.
Etymology
The species is named in honour of Australian aquarist-naturalist Ray Leggett (b. 1936), for his contributions to the knowledge of freshwater fishes of the Australia–New Guinea region.
Etymology compiled from C. Scharpf (2021), “Fishes of Sahul: An Etymological Survey (Part 4), the Rainbowfishes”, Fishes of Sahul 35(1): 1706–1714, and etyfish.org.
Distribution & Habitat
Glossolepis leggetti is currently known only from the Wapoga River system of northern New Guinea. They were found in tributary streams of the Tiawiwa River, a major tributary of the Wapoga, in the vicinity of Siewa airstrip. They were found together with Chilatherina alleni and Melanotaenia rubripinnis, but unlike these species which are most abundant in shallow relatively rapid sections, it favours deeper pools, with minimal flow. Habitats consist mainly of clear to tannin-stained slow-flowing streams with gravel, rock, and sandy bottoms. Water temperature 26–31° C, pH 6.0–8.4
Remarks
Glossolepis leggetti was named ‘leggetti’ in honour of Ray Leggett of Brisbane, Queensland in recognition of his contributions to the knowledge of freshwater fishes of the Australian-New Guinea region. This species is not currently available in the aquarium hobby.
References
- Allen G.R. and S. J. Renyaan (1998) Three new species of rainbowfishes (Melanotaeniidae) from Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology 3(2): 69-80.