🐟 Overview

• Scientific Name: Melanotaenia praecox

• Common Names: Peacock Rainbowfish, Neon Dwarf Rainbow, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Praecox Rainbowfish

• Natural Origin: Mamberamo River system in West Papua, Indonesia

• Size: Typically 2.5–3 in (6–8 cm), occasionally up to 3.2" in ideal conditions

🎨 Appearance

• Color: Iridescent blue to pale silver body with red or orange-edged fins in males; females usually display yellow to orange fins

• Shape: Laterally compressed, streamlined body typical of rainbowfish; males develop deeper bodies with age

🧬 Behavior & Temperament

• Temperament: Peaceful, social schooling species

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of at least 6–8, with more females than males

• Activity: Active mid-to-top swimmers; males display courtship behavior, especially in the morning

🐠 Aquarium Setup

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Type: Omnivore

• Preferred Foods:

  • High-quality flakes or micro-pellets

  • Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia

  • Vegetables: spirulina flakes, blanched peas

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts

🐣 Breeding

• Spawning Style: Egg scatterers; no parental care

• Breeding Setup: Use fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

• Egg/Fry Care:

  • Eggs hatch in 7–10 days

  • Fry initially need infusoria or vinegar eels

  • Move adults or eggs to a separate tank to prevent predation

🤝 Tankmates

• Good Companions:

  • Other peaceful rainbowfish

  • Tetras, rasboras, danios, peaceful barbs

  • Corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf gouramis

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or large predatory fish

  • Tiny shrimp (they may be eaten)

⚠️ Tips & Notes

• Water Quality: Needs stable, clean water—regular partial water changes are key

• Stress Signs: Faded color, reduced activity, hiding—often due to small group size or poor water

• Jumping: Always keep a lid—these fish can leap when startled

✅ Quick Facts

• Lifespan: 3–5 years (can reach up to 8 with excellent care)

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

• Special Behavior: Males display brighter colors and a head stripe during courtship

• Tank Level: Mid-to-top swimmers

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.