
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Melanotaenia parkinsoni
A rainbowfish from Papua New Guinea in which a pale lavender front half contrasts with a golden-orange rear. Males are deeper-bodied with extended fins. It likes hard, slightly alkaline water and colours up best in a shoal.
Melanotaenia parkinsoni inhabits lowland rainforest streams of south-eastern Papua New Guinea between the Kemp Welsh River and Milne Bay. FishBase records a maximum of 11cm SL for males and 9cm for females, pH 7.5-7.8, hardness from 8 dH and 26-30C. The fish is generally described as about 15cm, dark lavender with a rosy chest, the males deeper-bodied with extended fins and the rear half of the body covered in reflective golden-orange. That front-to-back contrast is the species' signature and is brightest in mature males. Like its congeners it is active and swims strongly, so a long tank and a group of six or more are preferable. Its restricted range has led the IUCN to list it as Near Threatened; it is not covered by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Parkinson's Rainbowfish lives 5-8 years.
The Parkinson's Rainbowfish grows to Up to 11cm SL (male).
The ideal temperature for the Parkinson's Rainbowfish is 26〜30℃.
Origin
Papua New Guinea (lowlands between the Kemp Welsh River and Milne Bay)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Melanotaenia parkinsoni Allen, 1980
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Up to 11cm SL (male)
Temperature
26〜30℃
Dried, frozen and live foods
An active medium-sized rainbowfish, so choose a long tank and separate densely planted areas from open swimming space.
FishBase records pH 7.5-7.8, hardness from 8 dH and 26-30C. It prefers slightly alkaline, moderately hard water and does not suit soft, acidic conditions. Coming from lowland rainforest streams, it likes the warmer end of the range for the genus.
Peaceful but quick enough to unsettle small or slow fish. Similar-sized rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs and Corydoras suit it, and a group of six or more reduces its shyness.
Unfussy, taking dried, frozen and live foods. Regular frozen and live feeds deepen the golden-orange of the rear body.
FishBase notes distinct pairing at spawning. Like its congeners it is an egg scatterer, attaching eggs to java moss or spawning mops. The fry are small and need suitable first foods.
Young fish on sale show little colour; the golden-orange appears with maturity. Its limited range has earned a Near Threatened listing from the IUCN. Published husbandry is thin, so follow general Melanotaenia practice and observe closely. It is not covered by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Parkinson's Rainbowfish is 26〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Parkinson's Rainbowfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Parkinson's Rainbowfish typically reaches Up to 11cm SL (male) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Parkinson's Rainbowfish feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Parkinson's Rainbowfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026