Melanotaenia parva
Overview
The Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish is a species of freshwater rainbowfish in the subfamily Melanotaeniinae. It was endemic to West Papua in Indonesia. Its natural habitat was only the small Lake Kurumoi in the Bird's Head Peninsula. It is primarily threatened by habitat loss, however it is unknown if the wild population still exists as it has probably been extirpated from its entire native range.
Melanotaenia parva faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its extremely limited range around Lake Kurumoi in Papua New Guinea. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have altered water chemistry and sedimentation patterns in the lake system. The species' tiny population size makes it exceptionally vulnerable to any environmental disturbance, with pollution from nearby human activities posing an ongoing risk to water quality.
Habitat
This rainbowfish is endemic to Lake Kurumoi and its associated tributaries in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. It inhabits shallow, vegetated areas of the lake system with clear, slightly alkaline waters surrounded by tropical montane forest.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in MELANOTAENIIDAE
Threatened in Indonesia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Melanotaenia parva classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Melanotaenia parva live?
What are the main threats to Melanotaenia parva?
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