Axelrods Rainbowfish

Axelrods Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parkinsoni)

Axelrods Rainbowfish, also known as Parkinson’s Rainbowfish, are striking freshwater fish with elongated bodies and vibrant colors. The males display a stunning combination of orange, yellow, and blue hues, while females are usually silver with a slight hint of yellow.

They are peaceful, active swimmers that can reach up to 4 inches in length. It is recommended to keep them in schools of at least 6 to create a stunning visual display. Axelrods Rainbowfish are compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. They are not known to be fin nippers, making them excellent tank mates for a community aquarium.

In the wild, Axelrods Rainbowfish are omnivorous, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, and algae. In captivity, they will thrive on a varied diet, including high-quality flake food, live, and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

To recreate their natural habitat, provide a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming spaces. Rainbowfish are active swimmers and require an aquarium with plenty of room to move about and abundant plant life to give them a sense of security. Their natural habitat features various leggy plants like Dwarf Sagittaria, Vallisneria, and Anubias, which are easy for the fish to navigate through. When arranging the plants, ensure to leave unobstructed open swimming areas. A substrate consisting of rocks or sand with driftwood can help recreate their native environment. The addition of floating plants to diffuse the light entering the tank also seems to be appreciated and adds a more natural feel.

Maintaining a clean and well-oxygenated tank is crucial for Axelrods Rainbowfish, as their water should be free from nitrates and ammonia. They prefer moderate water currents and appreciate a substantial water flow, making a power filter an excellent choice for their aquarium.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended, with 50 gallons or larger in community aquariums. The ideal water parameters for these fish include a pH of 7.0-8.0, a hardness of 8-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C).

Do not add this fish to a biologically immature aquarium, as it can be susceptible to swings in water chemistry.