The Parkinson's Rainbow (Melanotaenia parkinsoni) is a medium sized fish native to Indonesia, where it is found between the Kemp Welsh River and Milne Bay in in Paupa New Guinea.  This fish grows to an adult size of about 4.5 to 6 inches long.  Male Parkinson's Rainbow will be slightly larger and deeper bodied than females and will have more intense color.

The Parkinson's Rainbow should be maintained in an aquarium of 55 gallons or larger.  A dark colored soft, sandy substrate (CS6631) is a good choice.  Driftwood (ZM2000) and  live or artificial plants may also be incorporated.           

The Parkinson's Rainbow prefers a temperature of 70°F to 79°F, a pH of 6.5 to 8.5, and a hardness of 8 to 25°H.  

The Parkinson's Rainbow is an active, high energy fish.  It is generally very peaceful, but may disturb slower moving or shy species with it's high activity.  Good tank mates include other species of rainbows, larger tetras, barbs, danios, cory catfish, and many loricariid catfish.  The Parkinson's Rainbow will do best when kept in a shoal of at least 6 to 8, preferably with more females than males.

In the wild, the Parkinson's Rainbow is an omnivore feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and algae.  In the aquarium it will readily accept most prepared foods.  Good choices include flakes (AL165) and frozen bloodworms (SF4792) or brine shrimp (SF6777).  For maximum color, growth, and health these fish will look their best when given probiotics (AL169) in addition to a balanced diet.