Rainbowfish – Dwarf Neon (Melanotaenia praecox)

Description

Maximum Standard Length 3.2 (8cm), although usually smaller in aquaria.

Aquarium Size

An activespecies, so despite its small size it requires anaquariummeasuring at least 24 x 12 x 12 (60cm x 30cm x 30cm) 55 litres.

Maintenance

This little rainbowfish is ideally suited to a heavily planted setup and will show its best colours in such surroundings. It doesnt appreciate bright conditions and we suggest the use of floating plants to diffuse the light entering thetank. Allow open spaces between areas of planting to allow swimming space and areas for males to display at one another. High water quality is essential to the well-being of thisspecies, so weekly partial water changes are recommended.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73-82F (23-28C)

pH: 6.8-7.5

Hardness: 5-15H

Diet

Like most of its congeners, its an unfussy,omnivorousspeciesand will accept most dried, frozen and live foods. Regular feedings of the latter will help to ensure the fish exhibit their best colours.

Behaviour and Compatibility

Very peaceful and suitable for manycommunityaquaria given its relatively small size. Good tankmates include other similarly-sized rainbowfish, characins, danios, barbs, dwarf cichlids,freshwatergobies, and catfish such asCorydoras. Like other rainbowfish it can be quite skittish and does far better when kept in ashoalof at least 6-8, preferably more. The males will also be encouraged to display their best colours in the company of conspecifics.