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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

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[edit]

Prefers the company of others. Keep in a shoal.


Identification[edit]

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[edit]

Videos[edit]

Care:

External links[edit]