Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish

About

The dwarf rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is one of the smallest members of its family, yet it packs a lot of personality into a compact frame. Males develop an iridescent blue-green body with vivid red fins, while females are a subtler yellow-green. The difference becomes especially noticeable when males are competing for attention within a group. This species comes from the Mamberamo River system in northern Irian Jaya, Indonesia, where it lives in relatively clear, well-vegetated waters. In the aquarium it is thoroughly peaceful and slots comfortably into community tanks alongside similarly proportioned fish like characins, danios, small barbs, and Corydoras. The key to getting the best from this species is numbers. A shoal of at least six to eight fish reduces skittishness considerably and really encourages males to put on their best display. Fine-leaved plants and some open midwater swimming space suit it well. Breeding is achievable with a bit of preparation. Eggs are scattered among fine vegetation over several weeks, though the fry are small and need careful attention in their earliest days, starting on infusoria before moving on to tiny live foods. Overall this is a rewarding species for a keeper with some experience who wants a lively, colorful shoaling fish on the smaller end of the spectrum.