Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox)
The Neon Rainbowfish is a small, vibrant freshwater fish known for its shimmering blue body and striking red or yellow fins. Its peaceful nature and active swimming behavior make it a popular choice for community aquariums.
Key Information:
• Maximum Size: Around 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length.
• Native Habitat: Found in small streams and tributaries in Papua, Indonesia, particularly in the Mamberamo River basin.
• Growth Rate: They grow quickly, reaching their full size within 6–8 months under optimal conditions.
• Life Span: Typically 3–5 years, though they can live longer with excellent care.
• Diet: Omnivorous – They eat a mix of small insects, crustaceans, algae, high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and daphnia.
• Breeding Season: In the wild, they breed during the rainy season, but in captivity, they can spawn year-round if provided with ideal conditions, such as warm water, plenty of live food, and fine-leaved plants for egg scattering.
• Best Tank Mates:
• Other small Rainbowfish (e.g., Forktail Rainbowfish, Celebes Rainbowfish)
• Small Tetras (Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
• Barbs (Cherry Barbs, Gold Barbs)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish like large Cichlids.
Additional Care Tips:
• Should be kept in schools of at least 6 to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
• Require a minimum tank size of 20–30 gallons, as they are active swimmers.
• Prefer water temperatures between 74–80°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
• A well-planted aquarium with open swimming space mimics their natural habitat.
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