How To Breed Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish

Jun 20

Tank Setup for Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish

Tank Size:
These fish stay under 1.5 inches in size, so a 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group, but a 20-gallon long or larger is better for active swimming and stability.

Aquascape:

Dense plants, such as Rotala, mosses, and floating plants help them feel secure.
Add driftwood and leaf litter for a natural biotope look.
Keep an open swimming space at the mid-to-top level where they’re most active.

Lighting:
Moderate to high light brings out their full coloration. Their reflective scales shimmer best under good lighting—especially during courtship.

Water Parameters

Red Neon Blue Eyes are native to soft, slightly acidic to neutral waters of Papua New Guinea.

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.0–7.4
GH: 4–10
KH: 1–6
TDS: 100–200 ppm
Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

Use RO water remineralized with GH+ if your tap water is too hard, especially if you're breeding.

Social Behavior and Tank Mates

These are peaceful, schooling fish best kept in groups of 6 or more. The more males you keep, the better the display—males will perform elaborate "flutter dances" to impress each other and females.

Compatible tank mates:

Small peaceful tetras
Dwarf corydoras (like C. habrosus or C. pygmaeus)
Dwarf shrimp (in mature tanks with hiding spots)
Other peaceful nano fish like chili rasboras or ember tetras

Avoid larger or fin-nipping fish.

Feeding

Red Neon Blue Eyes have tiny mouths, so they need small, high-quality foods:

Live/frozen foods: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms
Dry food: Crushed nano pellets, micro granules, or powdered flake food
Feeding tip: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily to prevent overfeeding

Live foods especially help bring out vibrant colors and encourage breeding behavior.

Breeding Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish

Breeding is easy with the right setup and care.

How to breed them:

Set up a species-only tank with dense moss or a spawning mop.
Males display constantly to entice females to lay eggs on fine-leaved plants or mops.
Eggs are laid over several days and hatch in 7–10 days.
Move eggs or mop to a separate fry tank to avoid predation.
Feed fry infusoria, vinegar eels, or powdered fry food, then graduate to baby brine shrimp.

Note: These fish do not care for their young, so separating fry is essential.

Final Thoughts

Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish are the perfect blend of color, energy, and personality in a nano-sized package. With the right care, they’ll reward you with stunning displays, active schooling behavior, and potential for home breeding. Whether in a lush aquascape or a species-only display, they’re a standout in any collection.

isaac Ogonek