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Dwarf neon rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox)
Photo: Raimond Spekking · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Dwarf neon rainbowfish

Melanotaenia praecox · Melanotaeniidae

Also known as Praecox rainbow

Beginner

Compact blue rainbow with red fins; suits a 90 L planted tank.

Minimum tank
90 L
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
Adult size
6 cm
Group size
6+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
90 L
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Omnivore — micro pellets, flake, frozen daphnia.
Care level
Beginner
Origin & habitat
Native region
Mamberamo basin, West Papua
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Clear, plant-lined tributaries
Natural conditions
Warm, medium-hard, gently flowing water.
Behaviour & stocking
Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
6 fish
Swims
Mid-water
Good tank mates
Corydoras
Harlequin rasbora
Otocinclus
Avoid
Betta
Large cichlids
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Intermediate
Sexing
Males show red fins and a deeper body.
Notes
Scatters eggs in mops over several days.
Common ailments
Ich
Fin rot

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