Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox)

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Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia praecox1.jpg
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia praecox

76 Litres (20 US G.)

3.8-5.1cm (1.5-2 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.5

23.9-26.1°C (75 -79 °F)

6-13 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-4 years

Family

Melanotaeniidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Praecox Rainbow, Neon Rainbowfish, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish

Additional scientific names

Rhombatractus praecox


Sexing

Males are more brilliant and have more red in their fins, particularly the dorsal. Large males may develop a humpback as they mature. Females have more brown in their scales, whereas males are silver-blue.


Tank compatibility

A peaceful sociable fish that should be kept in shoals of 6 or more, at least 2 females per male. Do not keep with long-finned fish, will otherwise cohabit happily with other peaceful community fish.


Diet

Will accept most foods including pellets and flake as well as live food like bloodworm and daphnia.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Lightly planted tank. They are fast-swimming and truthfully do better in 100 Litres (26.4US G.)+. Expert jumpers, they do best in a community tank of a large school. Potential fin nippers if only because they are so fast!


Behaviour

Prefers the company of others. Keep in a shoal.


Identification

Typical Rainbowfish body shape, but substantially smaller than other Rainbowfish. Has an exceptionally deep body for such a small fish. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are all a rich red in colour, the body is iridescent silver with blue hues.

Pictures

Videos

In a shop tank:

External links