Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish

Neon Dwarf Rainbow

The dwarf rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is a species of rainbowfish in the subfamily Melanotaeniinae. It is known under a number of common names including diamond rainbowfish, neon rainbowfish, Praecox rainbowfish, dwarf neon rainbowfish, peacock rainbowfish, and Teczanka neonowa. It is endemic to the Mamberamo River basin in West Papua in Indonesia. The Neon Dwarf Rainbow Fish is a lively species that like to shoal in groups towards the middle and top of the aquarium. Their colouration is quite unique as they shimmer when swimming.

Do Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish need lots of plants?
Though not essential, neon dwarf rainbowfish will thrive in planted aquaria with wide swimming spaces, and prefer dimly lit conditions. Floating or surface plants would be ideal to help diffuse the light, and give you the best possible chance of appreciating the shimmering colours of the showing neon dwarf rainbow. 

What kind of fish is a neon rainbowfish?
The dwarf rainbowfish is a species of rainbowfish in the subfamily Melanotaeniinae. The Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish is a small, peaceful, intelligent, beautiful and active fish. If kept healthy and happy, dwarf neon rainbows will make a colourful addition to any community tropical aquarium.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 2-3cm (small/dwarf)
Maximum growth: 6cm
Origin: Asia
Temperament: Peaceful
Ideal number kept together: 6+

Water conditions
Our conditions: Temp 24°C, pH 7.5
Ideal pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5-15°H
Ideal Temperature: 23–28 °C

Ease of care
Easy. They are hardy fish that live best in planted aquariums. They can adapt to varied water conditions better than others.

Diet
Tropical flake would be best however they can have occasional small live or frozen foods.

Compatibility
House in a peaceful community aquarium with fish of similar size, as they stay quite small.

Breeding
Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish are egg layers, and will scatter their eggs among broad leaf plants and foliage. Fry can be difficult to raise. Males are larger and brighter than females. Males will fight during spawning (which happens in the early morning) often encircling and nipping one another, along with a display by extending their fins and increasing their intensity of iridescence. Females will then spawn continuously for several days whilst the male fertilises the eggs. Fry will typically hatch within a week.

Life Span
Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish can live to anything from 3-5 years in perfect conditions.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.