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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: black-banded rainbowfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Allen (1989); Allen and Cross (1982) provided a summary of most of the known species, including Melanotaenia nigrans. Distinguishing characteristics were also presented by Sterba (1973) and Merrick and Schmida (1984). Color photographs appeared in Merrick and Schmida (1984) and in Axelrod et al. (1985).

Size: 7 cm.

Native Range: Tropical and subtropical Australia. Discontinuous distribution in northeastern drainages of the Timor Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria, and Northeast Coast drainage divisions (Merrick and Schmida 1984).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: It was supposed that these fish were escapes from a tropical fish establishment (store?) in the St. Louis area, about 40 miles upstream (O'Donnell 1935; Smith 1965). However, an aquarium release cannot be ruled out.

Status: Reported from Illinois. Likely failed introduction, as no specimens have been reported since O'Donnell (1935)

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: The record of O'Donnell (1935) represents one of the earliest accounts of an introduced ornamental fish taken in United States open waters. Specimens were identified by Carl Hubbs (O'Donnell 1935). 

There are no known voucher specimens.

References: (click for full references)

Allen, G.R. 1989. Lake Eacham rainbowfish rediscovered? Fishes of Sahul 5:217-219.

Allen, G.R., and N.J. Cross. 1982. Rainbowfishes of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Axelrod, H.R., W.E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J.G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Merrick, J.R., and G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian freshwater fishes: biology and management. Griffin Press, Netley, South Australia.

O'Donnell, D.J. 1935. Annotated list of the fishes of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin 20(5):473-500.

Smith, P.W. 1965. A preliminary annotated list of the lampreys and fishes of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey, Biological Notes 54.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. English translation and revision from German. Two volumes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Melanotaenia nigrans

Author: Nico, L.

Peer Review Date: 1/30/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.