Parkinson's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parkinsoni)
| Parkinson's Rainbowfish Melanotaenia parkinsoni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Parkinson's Rainbowfish |
| Name Lat. | Melanotaenia parkinsoni |
| Family | Rainbowfishes |
| Family lat. | Melanotaeniidae |
| Order | Silversides |
| Order lat. | Atheriniformes |
| Origin | New Guinea |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-7 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 6-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 107-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Parkinsons Rainbowfish is eastern Papua New Guinea, where they occur on the south coast between Kemp River and Milne Bay. There they live in the shallow, clear water of rainforest streams and small rivers with dense vegetation as well as in residual water ponds.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense background and edge planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and plenty of swimming space. A fine sandy substrate, light slightly shaded with floating plants (e.g. Rizzia) and medium hard, slightly alkaline water is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of high-quality dry food supplemented with live food, which is also accepted without problems in frozen form, such as artemia, mysis, daphnia and mosquito larvae or a commercially available frozen food mix. In addition, they regularly require vegetable food, e.g. in the form of algae leaves or dry food (granules, flakes) with spirulina or kelp.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively, swarming fish and at least 5, but preferably much more should be kept together. In the shoal they show their most beautiful coloration. They are very peaceful and can be socialized well with rainbowfish of similar size, but also with other peaceful fish, such as barbs and catfish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is more high backed and much more colorful than the slightly smaller female.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners, which during the reproductive period daily in the morning (morning sun) deposit their eggs with adhesive filaments in fine-leaved plants. The fry hatch after 6-7 days. The parents do not engage in brood care.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, infusoria). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered.
By feeding them with live or frozen food, especially mosquito larvae should not be missing, they get an intense coloration.
Since they are very voracious, a fast day should be inserted once a week.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Merz Zierfischgroßhandel
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF