Scientific name: Melanochromis johanni

Hawaiian Name: —

Classification: Phylum: Chordata. Class: Pisces. Family: Poeciliidae

Origin: Introduced into the wild in 1993 as an aquarium release.

Status: Locally common.

Distribution: Streams on O‘ahu.

Map: —

This colorful fish, common in aquariums, is an example of why we should not release unwanted aquarium fish into streams. It has successfully reproduced and thrives in many of Oahu’s streams where it outcompetes our native fish for food. It has been implicated in the complete elimination of native crustaceans in streams where it occurs.