Parkinson's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parkinsoni) Care Guide
Melanotaenia parkinsoni is a robust New Guinean rainbowfish with a steel-blue front and orange rear, native to lowland rainforest streams.
Overview
Melanotaenia parkinsoni is a large, muscular rainbowfish of the family Melanotaeniidae. FishBase lists males to about 11 cm and females to about 9 cm standard length. Mature males contrast a steel-blue front half with a reflective golden-orange rear, and develop deeper bodies and extended fins than females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia parkinsoni
Habitat
The species is endemic to southeastern Papua New Guinea, between the Kemp Welsh River and Milne Bay. FishBase reports it from lowland rainforest streams.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 2.9, consistent with an omnivorous rainbowfish diet. In aquaria it takes quality dry foods together with frozen and live invertebrates.
Compatibility
A peaceful but large and active swimmer, best kept in a shoal of eight or more in spacious tanks. Its size and energy suit it to robust community setups and to other large rainbowfish rather than to small or timid tankmates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 2019), reflecting its limited natural distribution.