Radužnica Parva

The Rainbow Parva, scientific name Melanotaenia parva, belongs to the family Melanotaeniidae (Rainbows). Also known as the Rainbow Fish of Lake Kurumoy, which is located on the Chendrawasih Peninsula in the northwest of the island of New Guinea.

In nature, it is found along the coastline among dense thickets of plants. The water in the lake is muddy, the bottom is muddy. In some areas, there is a rapid growth of dark green Hornwort.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 5 cm. Compared to other representatives of the genus Melanotaenia, this fish has a relatively modest size, which is reflected in the name of the species – Parva, translated from Latin, just translates “small”.

According to the observations of the Australian explorer Allen Jerry, two color forms live in the lake. The first is painted in a bluish to pink gradient with a black sideline. The second is silvery with red speckles and narrow red or orange edges of the scales. The fins of both varieties are red.

This coloration is typical primarily for adult males. Females and young males are noticeably more modestly colored.

The Parva iris is closely related to the closely related Angfa iris (Melanotaenia angfa), which lives in river systems flowing into the lake. Despite the common origin, outwardly the fish differ in size and color.

Behavior and Compatibility

Schooling moving fish. They prefer to be in a group of 6-8 individuals. There is competition between males for the attention of females, but fights between them and injuries are extremely rare.

Compatible with many other non-aggressive species. A good choice would be the same Rainbows.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 100 liters.
• Temperature – 25-30°C
• Value pH — 6.2–7.8
• Water hardness – medium and high hardness (5-14 dGH)
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – moderate, bright
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – weak, moderate
• The size of the fish is about 5 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Keeping in a flock of 6-8 individuals

Maintenance and care, arrangement of aquariums

The optimal size of the aquarium for a small flock of Rainbow Parva starts from 100 liters. In the design, it is recommended to combine open areas for swimming and places for shelters in the form of thickets of hard-leaved plants. Clusters of Dark Green Hornwort will look most natural.

For long-term keeping, it is important to provide warm, slightly alkaline water with average GH values.

Maintenance of an aquarium consists of standard procedures such as weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water and removal of accumulated organic waste.

Food

An omnivorous species, will accept most popular dry, frozen and live foods of a suitable size. It tends to damage soft plant fragments, for this reason only hard-leaved species should be placed in the aquarium.