The Western Rainbowfish is endemic to western Australia where it can be found in rivers, creeks and the accompanying tributaries. They have also been observed living in the still waters of swamps and ponds as well as larger pools of water such as lakes and resevoirs. This particular species of Rainbowfish also displays a variety of colors and patterns depending on which region/population it came from. One of the most identifying chatacteristics is the dark colored pair of zig-zagging lines on the lower portion of the body. Adult males are larger, more colorful and deeper bodied than the females. Usually, it is the drabber juvenile fish that are most often seen for sale.