Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) – Shimmering Blue Beauty for Community Aquariums
The Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish is a stunning, peaceful schooling fish admired for its intense iridescent blue body and vibrant red or yellow fins (depending on sex). Native to the Mamberamo River in New Guinea, these compact rainbowfish bring constant motion and glowing color to freshwater aquariums — especially in planted and community setups.
Though small in size, their reflective scales shimmer like neon under aquarium lighting, making them stand out among plants and driftwood. They’re active yet peaceful swimmers, best kept in groups of six or more to display their full beauty and natural schooling behavior.
Scientific Name: Melanotaenia praecox
Common Name: Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
Size Shipped: ~0.75–1 inch juveniles
Adult Size: ~2.5–3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, social
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Swimming Level: Mid to top of the tank
Origin: Tank-raised
Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)
pH: 6.5 – 7.8
GH: 6 – 15
KH: 3 – 8
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger for groups)
Tank Setup: Planted tanks with open swimming space
Filtration: Moderate flow with clean, oxygen-rich water
✔ Brilliant neon blue body that glows under aquarium lights
✔ Peaceful and compatible with most community fish
✔ Active schoolers that bring motion and energy to your tank
✔ Smaller than other rainbowfish — great for medium-sized aquariums
✔ Hardy and beginner-friendly
High-quality flakes or micro pellets
Frozen/live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
Occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish are a top choice for aquarists looking to add color, activity, and peaceful personality to their freshwater tanks. With their radiant shine and graceful schooling behavior, they’re perfect for planted aquascapes and well-balanced community tanks alike.
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) – Shimmering Blue Beauty for Community Aquariums
The Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish is a stunning, peaceful schooling fish admired for its intense iridescent blue body and vibrant red or yellow fins (depending on sex). Native to the Mamberamo River in New Guinea, these compact rainbowfish bring constant motion and glowing color to freshwater aquariums — especially in planted and community setups.
Though small in size, their reflective scales shimmer like neon under aquarium lighting, making them stand out among plants and driftwood. They’re active yet peaceful swimmers, best kept in groups of six or more to display their full beauty and natural schooling behavior.
Scientific Name: Melanotaenia praecox
Common Name: Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
Size Shipped: ~0.75–1 inch juveniles
Adult Size: ~2.5–3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, social
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Swimming Level: Mid to top of the tank
Origin: Tank-raised
Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)
pH: 6.5 – 7.8
GH: 6 – 15
KH: 3 – 8
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger for groups)
Tank Setup: Planted tanks with open swimming space
Filtration: Moderate flow with clean, oxygen-rich water
✔ Brilliant neon blue body that glows under aquarium lights
✔ Peaceful and compatible with most community fish
✔ Active schoolers that bring motion and energy to your tank
✔ Smaller than other rainbowfish — great for medium-sized aquariums
✔ Hardy and beginner-friendly
High-quality flakes or micro pellets
Frozen/live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
Occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish are a top choice for aquarists looking to add color, activity, and peaceful personality to their freshwater tanks. With their radiant shine and graceful schooling behavior, they’re perfect for planted aquascapes and well-balanced community tanks alike.
