Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia parva
A rare mountain lake gem that puts on a show at feeding time.
About
The Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parva) hails from a single, rather unusual body of water in the highlands of West Papua, Indonesia. Lake Kurumoi sits at around 400 meters elevation within the Yakati River watershed and currently has no visible surface outlet, making it a genuinely isolated habitat. That restricted range means this is not a species you'll stumble across at every fish store, and it carries a bit of collector appeal as a result. In terms of appearance, it follows the classic rainbowfish blueprint. Laterally compressed with the iridescent shimmer the family is known for, though it stays on the smaller side compared to many of its relatives, topping out well under three inches. Behavior is where this fish really earns its keep. Keep a proper shoal and you'll be rewarded at feeding time with a lively spectacle. Fish darting to the surface to grab food and immediately looping back down, over and over in rapid succession. It is genuinely entertaining to watch. Like most rainbowfish, it does best in a group and needs a tightly covered aquarium since jumping is a real risk. This one suits a keeper with some experience rather than a complete beginner.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish get?
- The Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish reaches about 1.5–2.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish need?
- A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish need?
- The Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 6.5–8, hardness around 5–18 dGH.
- Is the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish aggressive?
- The Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish eat?
- The Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish live?
- With good care, the Lake Kurumoi Rainbowfish typically lives 3-4 years.