Neon Dwarf Rainbow

The neon dwarf rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) comes from tributaries of the Mamberamo river in West Papua and is the smallest of the commonly kept Melanotaenia. The scales carry a strong metallic blue-silver sheen that shifts as the fish turns, and males finish it with bright red fins. Females have the same body sheen with yellowish or clear fins. Because it stays small it fits tanks where the larger rainbowfish would not.

Aquarium care

• Reaches about 6 cm.
• Peaceful and active.
• Keep six or more, with a mix of sexes so males display.
• Prefers harder, alkaline water.
• Wants planting around the edges with open water in the middle.
• Omnivorous: quality flake, micro pellets and frozen daphnia or bloodworm.

A good centrepiece for a planted community with harlequin rasboras, larger tetras, corydoras and peaceful loaches. It suits keepers who want rainbowfish colour without the tank length the bigger species demand.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current rainbows.