Parkinsoni Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parkinsoni)

Melanotaenia parkinsoni or Parkinsoni Rainbowfish have a silvery body with blush red stripes between the scale rows. Adult male fins are bright red/orange with dark edges.

Mature males can be magnificent in color. Females can be rather plain in comparison. They can reach a maximum size of 6 Inches but usually get to be 4 or 5 inches.

Parkinsoni Rainbowfish males exhibit extremely bright orange coloration beginning at the caudal peduncle and bleeding into the body. All fins also contain bright orange bases with black borders.

The fish are omnivorous and should be fed quality flake food with supplemental proteins such as baby brine shrimp. They require clean water but tolerate a wide variety of water parameters. By providing frequent water changes, you will be rewarded with nearly continuous spawning attempts. Melanotaenia species deposit eggs in weedy areas (often mimicked by a yarn mop) and the eggs hatch 7-10 days later. Eggs can be harvested for hatching in separate tanks to avoid predation. Most Rainbows show their best colors at sunrise when the males display their bright fins for potential mates. Having more females than males will allow for proper color displays and avoid any unwanted aggression toward lone females.

Scientific Name: Melanotaenia parkinsoni

Common Name: Parkinsoni Rainbowfish

Max Size: 5.5″

pH: 7.0-8.0

Hardness: Moderate

Temperature: 70-80°

Aggressiveness: Peaceful

Region of Origin: Oceania

Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred