Melanotaenia oktediensis
Overview
The Oktedi rainbowfish is a species of rainbowfish in the subfamily Melanotaeniinae. It is endemic to the Ok Tedi River, part of the Fly River system in southern Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is rivers.
Melanotaenia oktediensis faces severe threats from mining activities in the Ok Tedi River system, where copper and gold extraction has caused extensive heavy metal contamination and sedimentation. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation, with water quality deterioration from mining operations representing the primary driver of population decline. Additional pressures from deforestation and agricultural runoff in the watershed compound the impacts on this endemic rainbowfish.
Habitat
This endemic rainbowfish inhabits freshwater streams and tributaries of the Ok Tedi River system in Papua New Guinea's Western Province. The species is adapted to clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky substrates in tropical rainforest environments at moderate elevations.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in MELANOTAENIIDAE
Threatened in Papua New Guinea
Frequently asked questions
Why is Melanotaenia oktediensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Melanotaenia oktediensis live?
What are the main threats to Melanotaenia oktediensis?
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