{"product_id":"neon-dwarf-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-praecox","title":"Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia praecox","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eNeon Dwarf Rainbowfish – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelanotaenia praecox\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeon Dwarf Rainbowfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a bright, active rainbowfish with an electric blue body and colourful red, orange or yellow fins. Also known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Neon Rainbowfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraecox Rainbowfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelanotaenia praecox\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is one of the smaller rainbowfish species and makes an excellent choice for peaceful planted community aquariums. It is hardy once settled, but it is an energetic shoaling fish that needs clean water, swimming space and a proper group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Praecox Rainbowfish, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Neon Rainbowfish, Diamond Rainbowfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelanotaenia praecox\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rainbowfish \/ Melanotaeniid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelanotaenia praecox\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to New Guinea, where it is recorded from the Mamberamo River system in northern West Papua, Indonesia. Wild fish are associated with freshwater river and tributary habitats, often around aquatic vegetation, submerged roots and woody cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish do best in mature planted setups with open swimming space, good filtration, clean water and gentle to moderate flow. They are not a blackwater specialist, but they benefit from stable, well-oxygenated water and areas of plant cover where the group can feel secure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeon Dwarf Rainbowfish have a deep, laterally compressed body with a strong metallic blue, turquoise or neon sheen. Mature males usually develop the deepest body shape and the brightest fin colour, often showing red, orange or yellow fins depending on the strain and individual fish. Females are usually slightly smaller, slimmer and softer in colour, often with clearer or yellowish fins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, although some well-grown aquarium fish may appear larger due to their deep body shape. Their colour improves with maturity, good diet, mixed-sex groups and stable aquarium conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a very good rainbowfish for medium-sized peaceful community aquariums. It suits planted displays, active community tanks and mixed rainbowfish setups with other small to medium peaceful species. Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish are active swimmers, so they need more length and open water than many small tetras of a similar body length.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are not suitable for tiny nano aquariums, aggressive cichlid tanks, large predators, very soft acidic specialist setups or cramped tanks with no open swimming space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100 litres for a group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e120 litres or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are preferred for bigger groups and mixed communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e preferred. A mix of males and females is ideal, as males show their best colour and display behaviour when both sexes are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 23–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.5–7.8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderately soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish are adaptable when settled, but they need clean, stable, well-oxygenated water. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and maintain low nitrate with regular water changes. Avoid sudden changes in water chemistry, poor filtration and long-term acidic, mineral-poor conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeon Dwarf Rainbowfish are peaceful, active community fish. Suitable tank mates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, smaller barbs, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, dwarf cichlids with care, gouramis in calmer layouts and other small to medium rainbowfish with similar requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, severe fin-nippers and very slow or shy nano fish that may be intimidated by their activity. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as they are social fish that show better colour, confidence and behaviour in a group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeon Dwarf Rainbowfish are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small granules or micro pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and small bloodworm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA varied diet helps maintain body condition, fin colour and natural display behaviour. Feed small portions that are eaten quickly, as rainbowfish are active midwater feeders and can be eager at feeding time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species usually swims in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, moving actively through open water and around plant cover. Males often display to females and rivals by intensifying their body colour and flaring their fins. This display behaviour is one of the main attractions of the species and is best seen in a well-sized group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeon Dwarf Rainbowfish are egg scatterers that may spawn among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. They do not provide parental care, and eggs or fry are usually eaten in a community aquarium unless removed to a separate rearing setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide a balance of open swimming space and planted cover, maintain clean water and avoid overcrowding. Their metallic blue colour can look subdued when stressed, newly introduced or kept in poor conditions, but settled males become very bright.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse a secure lid, as active rainbowfish can jump if startled. This species is generally hardy, but it should not be treated as a small-tank fish simply because it is called “dwarf”.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon to occasional \/ Usually captive-bred or farmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, blue sheen, fin colour, body depth and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43701917089866,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/NeonDwarfRainbowfish-Melanotaeniapraecox.jpg?v=1781437233","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/neon-dwarf-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-praecox","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}