Neon Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia praecox 2cm

The Melanotaenia praecox, commonly known as the Neon Rainbowfish or Dwarf Neon Rainbow, is a dazzling freshwater species native to the swift-flowing streams of the Mamberamo River basin in Papua, Indonesia.

These stunning fish are amongst the smaller rainbowfish species, reaching just 5-6 centimetres in length, making them ideal for modest-sized aquariums.

Males are particularly spectacular, displaying an iridescent electric blue body that shimmers with turquoise and violet hues under proper lighting, complemented by vibrant red-orange fins that intensify during courtship displays. Females are slightly smaller and less colourful, showing a more subdued silver-blue body with clear to pale yellow fins.

Their streamlined, laterally compressed bodies and active swimming behaviour make them a captivating focal point in any well-planted aquarium.

As with all rainbowfish, Neon Rainbows are highly social, shoaling species that must be kept in groups of six or more to thrive and display their best colouration.

In proper groups, males will engage in impressive courtship displays, intensifying their colours and spreading their fins to compete for females' attention.

These peaceful, energetic fish are ideal community inhabitants that occupy the upper to middle water levels, swimming in loose schools throughout the day.

They're compatible with a wide range of similarly sized peaceful species. Omnivorous by nature, they require a varied diet of quality flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with small frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp, along with occasional vegetable matter.

They appreciate a well-planted aquarium with open swimming space, moderate water flow, and stable, slightly alkaline water conditions.

With proper care including regular water changes, varied diet, and appropriate group size, Neon Rainbowfish typically live 5-8 years, making them vibrant, active additions that bring movement and stunning colour to peaceful community aquariums.