Parkinsoni rainbowfish - Melanotaenia parkinsoni

Scientific name: Melanotaenia parkinsoni

Common name: Parkinsoni rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 11 cm (3.94 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 21 - 25 °C (69.8 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Melanotaenia parkinsoni is an omnivorous rainbowfish that thrives on variety. Use high-quality flakes or micro-pellets as a staple, and supplement with frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, or tubifex once or twice weekly. They also graze on soft vegetable matter, so add spirulina-based flakes or blanched vegetables to maintain health and vibrant colors.

Origin

Native to Papua New Guinea, Parkinson’s rainbowfish inhabit clear rivers and streams flowing into the Collingwood and Kemp Welch river systems. They prefer well-oxygenated waters with moderate current and abundant aquatic vegetation.

Sexing

Males grow slightly larger and display more brilliant orange and copper markings on their flanks and fins, while females remain smaller with subtler silver-gold coloration. The difference becomes more obvious once the fish mature.

Breeding

Like most rainbowfish, they are egg scatterers. Spawning occurs daily over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Remove eggs or the mop to a rearing tank to prevent predation. Eggs hatch in about 7–10 days, depending on temperature. Fry are extremely small and must be started on infusoria or liquid fry foods before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp. Growth is slow but steady if provided with clean water and frequent small meals.

Lifespan

With proper care, Parkinson’s rainbowfish live 5–7 years, occasionally longer in well-maintained aquaria.

Short description

The Parkinson’s rainbowfish is a striking medium-sized species known for its metallic body and bright orange flares on the fins and lower body. Best kept in groups of 6 or more, as they are shoaling fish that display their best colors in company. Despite sometimes being labeled as “more aggressive,” they are generally peaceful community fish when housed with other rainbowfish or species of similar size and temperament. Provide an aquarium with open swimming space, dense planting at the edges, and good water flow to replicate their natural habitat.