Aquarist Species: Melanotaenia parva
Aquarist: DragonFlyer
Species Profile: Melanotaenia parva
Common Name: Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish
Species Photo by: Joël Félix
Description: Gerry Allen reported that there appeared to be two colour forms of Melanotaenia parva in Lake Kurumoi; males being either bluish to mauve with a black midlateral band (sometimes only on the front half), or silver with red speckling and narrow red or orange lines between each scale row on the side of the body. Fins of both varieties were red. Young males have a rosy-mauve body colour that turns more and more bright orange-red as they grow. The new species was reported to be very small (hence, the species name "parva", meaning small in Latin). However, Melanotaenia parva may reach a maximum size of 9-10 cm.
Category: Rainbowfish
Global Region: Oceania
Distribution: Lake Kurumoi, New Guinea
CARES Classification: Critically Endangered
Aquarist Notes
Photo of aquarist's species:
Genetic Line: Aquarium Strain
Year Acquired: 2023
Acquired an adult breeding group at the Norwalk Aquarium Society auction in Feb 2023. Put them out in my summer tubs but the season was short and did not see any fry. The following year I picked up a group of younger fish at the NAS auction. Giving them a go in this year's summer tubs.