Neon Dwarf Rainbow

• Species Profile
• Scientific Name: Melanotaenia praecox
• Common Name: Neon Dwarf Rainbow
• Adult Size: 2.5 to 3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years (can live longer with proper care)
• Habitat:
  • Native to Mamberamo River Basin, New Guinea

  • Found in clear streams and slow-moving rivers with dense vegetation

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small group
  Best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and bring out natural behaviors
• Ideal Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish
  Works well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species
  Males may spar lightly but rarely cause harm

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – provide a varied diet for optimal health:

• High-quality flakes or micro-pellets
• Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms

• Will also nibble on vegetable matter occasionally

Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg scatterers
• Will spawn in tanks with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
• Males perform a colorful courtship dance
• Eggs hatch in 7–10 days

• Fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, then move on to baby brine shrimp

Appearance

• Known for their iridescent neon blue body that shimmers in the light
• Red or orange fins (depending on strain and sex)

• Males are more vibrant and slender, while females are rounder with less intense coloration

Distinctive Features

• Their shimmering, metallic body color makes them standout in any tank
• One of the smallest and most peaceful rainbowfish species

• Active swimmers – prefer horizontal space and planted tanks