Telmatherininae Explained

The Telmatherininae, the sail-fin silversides are a subfamily of atheriniform fish from the rainbowfish family, the Melanotaeniidae,^[1] inhabiting fresh and brackish water. All but the species Kalyptatherina helodes are restricted to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, and most are found solely in the Malili Lake system, consisting of Matano and Towuti, and the small Lontoa (Wawantoa), Mahalona and Masapi.^{[2] [3]}

They are small fish, typically ranging from 3to in length, though the largest Paratherina can reach almost twice that size.^[3] They are named for the sail-like shape of their first dorsal fin in the males, which are also brightly coloured, compared with the females.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Book: Fishes of the World . 5th . J. S. Nelson . T. C. Grande . M. V. H. Wilson . 2016 . 358–363 . Wiley . 978-1-118-34233-6 .
2. Gray, S.M., and J.S. McKinnon (2006). A comparative description of mating behaviour in the endemic telmatherinid fishes of Sulawesi's Malili Lakes. Environmental Biology of Fishes 75: 471–482
3. Herder, F.; J. Schwarzer; J. Pfaender; R.K. Hadiaty; and U.K. Schliewen (2006). Preliminary checklist of sailfin silversides (Teleostei: Telmatherinidae) in the Malili Lakes of Sulawesi (Indonesia), with a synopsis of systematics and threats. Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie Band 5: 139-163.
4. Book: Paxton, J.R. . Eschmeyer, W.N.. Allen, Gerald R.. 1998. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Academic Press. San Diego. 156. 0-12-547665-5.