Description:
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total):
4 - 5; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 76 - 103. Habitat:
Generally found in either small tributaries of the
alluvial lowlands or in creeks and small rivers in
hilly terrain. Prefers deeper pools that are often
littered with logs and branches. This species occurs
across northern New Guinea from the Ramu and Sepik
rivers, Papua New Guinea, to the Mamberamo system
of Papua Province, Indonesia. It is likely to be extinct
from Lake Sentani due to a number of anthropogenic
threats, and it is threatened by mining, logging and
invasive species in other parts of its range. Aquarium
Care: Better suited to larger tanks of 4ft
(120cm) or over with rocks and plants provided for
cover. This genera are easily spooked in the aquarium
but N. novaeguineae seems to be a suitable
candinate for larger aquariums. Best kept in small
groups of 4-6 individuals. The pectoral and dorsal
spines, as is the norm in this genera, are venomous
so handle with care. In my personal experience they
are well suited to larger tanks with other same sized
or larger inhabitants and will hold their own in that
company and are generally peaceful with other placid
species. Diet: Feeds on insects,
prawns, mollusks and small crayfish. In the aquarium,
snails, insects, prawns, earthworms and other small
crustaceans and will take most aquarium foods. Etymology:
The specific name novaeguineae: Of New Guinea,
specifically Irian Jaya of Western New Guinea (now
West Papua, Indonesia), type locality. Remarks:
There is no indication that the overall population
is suffering from significant declines and it is known
from at least one protected area. It is therefore
assessed as Least Concern. Research is needed to determine
its current population trends and the full impacts
of threats (IUCN 2020).
Asia & Oceania:
Ramu River basin, Papua New Guinea and northern Papua
(formerly Irian Jaya), New Guinea. Type Locality:
Sentani-See, Nord-Neu-Guinea and Bernhard Camp (altitude
75 meters), Idenburg River, Netherland New Guinea.
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