Kiunga Blue-eye - Kiunga ballochi

The Kiunga Blue-eye was scientifically described by Allen in 1983. Its scientific name is Kiunga ballochi. The species was collected in 1982 by Allen and Paska. In English, it is referred to by the names Kiunga Blue-eye and Glass Blue-eye. It is named Kiunga after the town Kiunga, a port town on the Fly River in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. 

Description
The Kiunga Blue-eye can reach a length of 3 cm (1.2 inches). The body is chiefly translucent, but you can see fine, dark scale outlines on the back of the fish. The fins are also clear, except for the eye-catching black margins and the bright yellow submarginal bands that are found on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The yellow colour covers the entire front half of the anal fin.  

Geographical distribution, habitat and conservation
The Kiunga Blue-eye lives in south-western Papua New Guinea. Its exact geographical range remains unclear and more research is needed before it can be determined. As far as we know, it has only been found in a few spots in the upper parts of the Fly River system close to the town Kiunga.  

The typical Kiunga Blue-eye habitat consists of clear, shallow streams that are well-shaded by the surrounding trees for most of their journey. These streams flow through flat rainforest terrain and Kiunga Blue-eyes have never been found more than 80 metres above sea level. The water temperature stays around 23-25 degrees C (73-77 degrees F) and the water is somewhat alkaline, at least on the spots where it has been measured. The region is still far from thoroughly explored.   

Keeping Kiunga Blue-eye in aquariums
The Kiunga Blue-eye is not a common aquarium species and it has been listed as “Critically Endangered” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It does not cope well with being caught and transported. It is important to keep it in a well decorated aquarium with lots of plants. Keep the water temperature between 24 and 26 degrees C (75 and 79 degrees F).

Breeding Kiunga Blue-eye Rainbowfish
We do not have any information about breeding Kiunga Blue-eye in aquariums.

Didn't find the info you were looking for? Register for free and ask your question in our Aquarium forum !

Our knowledgeable staff usually responds to any question within 24 hours

Other Blue-eyes