We have once again received offspring of this beautiful rainbow fish. For basic information, please refer to this post: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/17-rainbow-fishes-and-co/glossolepis_dorityi_lake_nenggwambu__en/
Unfortunately, it is quite likely that Glossolepis dorityi, which was only scientifically described in 2001, is already extinct in the wild. We quote here from the entry in the International Red List (IUCN): “This species is known only from Lake Nenggwambu (Lake Kali Biru), a small (4-5 hectares) floodplain lake in the Grime River system, about 60 km west of the Papua provincial capital of Jayapura, Indonesia, and nearby Lake Tum (erroneously called Lake Jaigum) (G.R. Allen pers. comm. 2019). Other searches have not found populations elsewhere, but it is possible it occurs in other lakes.”
The population of Tum Lake ( = Jaigum Lake) could no longer be found in 2009, as Johannes Graf, an experienced traveler and expert on rainbow fish, discovered. In Lake Nenggwambu, the once crystal-clear water is now a murky broth, and all the underwater plants that used to grow there in abundance have disappeared. The cause lies in carp and tilapia that were released for food purposes.
The populations from both lakes (there are no color differences between the two) in human care still appear to be stable. You can help save this species from extinction by buying such fish for your aquarium. Only if breeders of the species can find homes for their offspring will they continue to breed them!
For our customers: the animals have code 417133 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.
Source:
Allen, G.R., Hammer, M. & Unmack, P. 2020. Glossolepis dorityi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T161080437A161080455. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T161080437A161080455.en. Accessed on 09 September 2025
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
