Melanotaenia Praecox

Datasheet

General Description

The Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia Praecox) is a small species belonging to the Atheriniformes order. It reaches a maximum size of 8.0cm and is known for its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature.

Aquarium Setup

The ideal tank setup for Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish includes a heavily planted environment with floating plants to diffuse light. Open spaces should be left for swimming, and regular partial water changes are recommended to maintain high water quality.

Behaviour

Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish are peaceful and suitable for community tanks. They thrive when kept in shoals of 6-8 or more, displaying their best colors in the company of conspecifics. They may exhibit skittish behavior and do well with similarly-sized tankmates like characins, danios, and dwarf cichlids.

Feeding and Diet

Being omnivorous, Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish readily accept a variety of foods including dried, frozen, and live options. To enhance coloration, regular feedings of live foods are beneficial.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish is relatively uncomplicated as they are egg scatterers. The males are larger and more brightly colored than females, developing a deeper body as they mature. Raising the fry can be challenging initially, requiring specialized food such as infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the Mamberamo River system in New Guinea, Indonesia, Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish are commonly found in swiftly flowing tributaries and surrounding swamps with aquatic vegetation. They prefer slightly hard, alkaline water with a pH of 6.8-7.5 and a temperature range of 23-28°C.