Parva Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia Parva) - Juvenile

The Parva Rainbowfish is a rare and beautiful rainbowfish native to Lake Kurumoi in West Papua, Indonesia. Adults develop an attractive blend of silver, gold, orange, and red coloration, with mature males displaying the strongest colors. Their appearance becomes especially striking when they are kept in a group and viewed under good aquarium lighting.

Parva Rainbowfish are active, peaceful schooling fish that make an excellent addition to a larger planted community aquarium. They are generally compatible with other peaceful rainbowfish, larger tetras, barbs, Corydoras, plecos, and similarly sized community fish.

Care Instructions

• Adult size: Approximately 3–4 inches
• Minimum aquarium: 30 gallons; a longer aquarium is preferred
• Group size: Keep at least six, with larger groups encouraged
• Temperature: 74–80°F
• pH: Approximately 6.8–8.0
• Temperament: Peaceful and active
• Diet: Omnivore
• Care level: Moderate
• Swimming level: Middle to upper portion of the aquarium

Parva Rainbowfish should be kept in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with clean, well-oxygenated water. Provide open swimming space along with plants around the sides and back of the aquarium. A secure lid is required because rainbowfish may jump when startled.

Feed a varied diet of quality flakes or small pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, adult brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, or similar appropriately sized foods. A varied diet helps support healthy growth and strong adult coloration.

Regular water changes are important. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH, or water hardness, and acclimate new fish carefully.

Important Information

Rainbowfish may appear pale while young, stressed, or recently transported. Their coloration typically improves as they mature and become comfortable in their new aquarium. Mature males generally develop stronger red and orange coloration, while females tend to remain more subdued.

These are schooling fish and should not be kept individually.