Parkinson’s Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parkinsoni) is a vibrant and striking freshwater fish endemic to Papua New Guinea. Known for its rich orange-red coloration with metallic blue highlights, it is a peaceful and schooling species, making it ideal for community aquariums.
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Parkinson’s Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parkinsoni) is a vibrant and striking freshwater fish endemic to Papua New Guinea. Known for its rich orange-red coloration with metallic blue highlights, it is a peaceful and schooling species, making it ideal for community aquariums.
Bright orange-red body with metallic blue highlights on the dorsal and lateral areas. Laterally compressed, streamlined body with forked tail. Males are larger and more vividly colored; females are smaller and paler. Transparent fins with subtle yellow or orange tints.
5–8 years with proper care
Omnivorous; feeds on high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Supplement with live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach are beneficial for health and vibrant coloration.
Parkinson’s Rainbowfish are ideal for aquarists looking for a peaceful, vibrant, and schooling species. They thrive in well-maintained tanks with open swimming areas and compatible tankmates.
Intermediate – requires stable water, proper schooling, and high-quality diet.
30+ gallons (for small school)
7.0 to 8.0
8–15 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
4 inches
Tetras, rasboras, danios, small peaceful barbs, dwarf gouramis, other rainbowfish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Aggressive, fin-nipping species, or very small fish that may be stressed by active schooling behavior.
Melanotaenia parkinsoni
Melanotaeniidae
Papua New Guinea – Lake Wanam and surrounding rivers with shallow, calm waters and vegetation.
Highly social; best kept in schools of 6 or more. Peaceful and compatible with other mid-level community fish.
Feed 2–3 times daily with flakes, pellets, and frozen/live foods. Occasionally supplement with blanched vegetables for optimal health and vibrant coloration.
Egg-scatterer; lays eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not guard eggs. Condition male and female with protein-rich foods before spawning. Fry feed on infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.
pH: 7.0–8.0, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 8–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Sensitive to poor water quality; prone to stress, ich, and bacterial infections. Maintain clean water, regular changes, and balanced nutrition.
Peaceful, active, and social. Best kept in schools of 6 or more to promote natural behavior and color display. Compatible with other peaceful mid-level community fish.
Native to Lake Wanam and surrounding rivers in Papua New Guinea, Parkinson’s Rainbowfish inhabit shallow, calm waters with abundant vegetation. Adults grow up to 4 inches and require a minimum tank size of 30+ gallons for a small school. Providing open swimming space, moderate planting, and stable water parameters ensures healthy growth, vibrant coloration, and active schooling behavior. Ideal for intermediate aquarists seeking a peaceful, colorful, and social centerpiece fish.