Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parva) Care Guide
Melanotaenia parva is a small rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kurumoi in West Papua, listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered.
Overview
Melanotaenia parva is a small rainbowfish of the family Melanotaeniidae. According to FishBase it reaches about 6.7 cm standard length and has a fusiform body. The species is endemic to a single locality, the small Lake Kurumoi on the Bird's Head Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia, where mature males develop a deep red body with contrasting fin margins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia parva
Habitat
FishBase records the species from Lake Kurumoi within the Yakati River watershed at roughly 400 m elevation in mountainous terrain. Wikipedia notes its natural habitat is limited to this single lake, which makes the wild population extremely localised.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 2.9, consistent with an omnivorous rainbowfish diet. In aquaria it accepts a varied menu of quality dry foods supplemented with small live and frozen invertebrates.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water schooling species best kept in groups of eight or more. It mixes well with other rainbowfish of similar size and disposition; avoid boisterous or aggressive tankmates that may outcompete it at feeding time.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (assessed 2020), with the wild population possibly extinct. Habitat loss is the primary threat, and it is unknown whether the natural population at Lake Kurumoi still survives.