Dwarf Neon Praecox Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox)

The Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is one of the most popular and brilliantly coloured rainbowfish available. Renowned for its shimmering iridescent blue body and vibrant red fins, this active schooling fish adds constant movement and colour to planted and community aquariums.

Native to the clear streams and waterways of New Guinea, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish naturally inhabit areas with dense aquatic vegetation. They thrive in well-planted aquariums with open swimming space, floating plants, and darker substrates, which help bring out their spectacular colours.

Mature males develop the brightest colouration and often display to one another, flaring their fins and intensifying their colours in harmless displays of dominance. Females are slightly smaller and less colourful but are equally attractive.

These peaceful fish are best kept in schools of six or more, where they display their most natural behaviour and vibrant colours. Larger groups also help spread any minor dominance displays between males.

Feeding

Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish are omnivores and readily accept a wide variety of foods. Feed a quality flake or micro pellet as their staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops, and other small meaty foods to maximise colour, health, and vitality.

Why We Like This Fish

• Brilliant iridescent blue body with vibrant red fins

• Peaceful and ideal for community aquariums

• Active schooling fish with constant movement

• Perfect for planted aquariums

• Hardy and easy to care for

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 23–28°C

• pH: 6.8–7.5

• KH: 8–12 dKH

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 75 litres

• Group Size: 6 or more individuals

Care Information

• Diet: Omnivore – accepts quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen, and live foods.

• Temperament: Peaceful.

• Social Behaviour: Schooling species that should always be kept in groups. Larger groups encourage natural behaviour and reduce dominance between males.

• Origin: Tank-bred. Native to New Guinea, Indonesia.

• Maximum Size: Approximately 6.5–8 cm.

• Tank Level: Middle to upper.

Compatibility: Excellent with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, peaceful gouramis, loaches, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful rainbowfish. Adult ornamental shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimp fry may occasionally be eaten.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, size, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.