Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish care guide
Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) — minimum tank 75 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Overview
The Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is a small rainbowfish endemic to Indonesian New Guinea. Adults are recognised by a pale silver-blue body that flashes iridescent neon-blue in flank light, with red dorsal, anal and caudal fins in males.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Melanotaenia
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia praecox
- Common synonyms: Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Praecox Rainbowfish
Habitat
Native to the Mamberamo river system in West Papua, where it inhabits clear, slow tributaries with overhanging vegetation, sand and root substrate, in soft to moderately hard slightly acidic water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 75 L (19.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-6 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore that feeds on small insects, larvae and plant matter at the surface and mid-water. In aquaria a varied diet of micro-pellets, fine flakes, frozen daphnia, cyclops and small brine shrimp keeps colour intense.
Compatibility
Peaceful and active mid- to upper-water shoaler. Maintain a group of at least six (males flash brighter in larger groups). Compatible with small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, Otocinclus and peaceful gouramis; avoid slow or long-finned species.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that deposits adhesive eggs on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops; spawning occurs daily in well-conditioned pairs. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days; adults do not actively defend the brood and should be moved or the mop transferred for raising fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. The natural range is restricted and habitat is impacted by deforestation; most aquarium specimens are now captive-bred.