Neon Dwarf Rainbow

Description

Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox)

– **Scientific Name**: Melanotaenia praecox
– **Common Names**: Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish, Dwarf Neon Rainbow, Praecox Rainbowfish
– **Origin**: Streams and tributaries of New Guinea (e.g., Mamberamo River system)
– **Size**: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm); males slightly larger than females
– **Lifespan**: 3–5 years with proper care
– **Tank Size**: Minimum 20 gallons (long tank preferred for swimming space)
– **Water Parameters**:
  – Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
  – pH: 6.8–7.5 (slightly alkaline preferred)
  – Hardness: 5–15 dGH (adaptable but thrives in harder water)
– **Tank Setup**:
  – Planted aquarium with open swimming areas
  – Include tall plants, driftwood, and rocks for hiding spots
  – Floating plants to diffuse light (they prefer subdued lighting)
  – Strong filtration for high water quality and flow
  – Secure lid (they may jump)
– **Diet**: Omnivorous
  – High-quality flakes, pellets, or granules
  – Supplement with live/frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia)
  – Occasional plant matter (e.g., spirulina flakes)
– **Behavior**: Peaceful, active, schooling fish
  – Keep in groups of 6 or more (1–2 females per male to reduce aggression)
  – Males display brighter colors in groups
– **Compatibility**:
  – Good with peaceful/semi-aggressive fish of similar size (e.g., tetras, rasboras, corydoras)
  – Avoid large, aggressive species or very slow tank mates
  – May eat small shrimp fry but can coexist with adult dwarf shrimp
– **Maintenance**:
  – Weekly 25–30% water changes
  – Monitor for ammonia/nitrite (they’re sensitive to poor water quality)
  – Add crushed coral or mineral supplements if water is too soft
– **Breeding**:
  – Egg scatterers; use spawning mops or fine-leaved plants
  – Separate eggs/fry from adults (parents may eat them)
  – Eggs hatch in 7–10 days; feed fry infusoria then baby brine shrimp
– **Appearance**:
  – Males: Iridescent blue body, red-orange fins
  – Females: Silvery body, yellowish fins, less vibrant
– **Care Level**: Moderate (sensitive to water changes but hardy once established)