Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish

ANIMAL:
Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox

Type of Animal:
Rainbowfish

Habitat:
Vegetated areas & areas w/ submerged roots/logs in swiftly flowing clear soft waters w/ temps of 72-82 F & pH of 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly basic): streams, tributaries off main rivers, swamps/marshes surrounding tributaries/main rivers, rivers

Location(s):
Mamberamo River basin of West Papua

Appearance:
Bright blue iridescent bodies & colorful fins, males brighter w/ deeper bodies, males have red fins, females have orange-yellow fins

Food/Diet:
Small shrimp, shrimp fry, brine shrimp, worms, plant matter, small rainbowfish fry (including own species), insects, insect larvae, Daphnia, fish flakes, fish pellets, algae, fish eggs

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Breeding in aquariums, zoos, & aquaculture. Captive breeding reducing demand for wild-caught fish. Restrictions on trade of wild-caught fish.

Lifestyle:
Schools of 6-30 w/ more females than males

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Fry
Group: School

Gestation:
7-10 days 

Life Span:
3-5 years

Body Length:
Male: 2.5 in
Female: 2 in

Tail Width:
Male: 0.75 in
Female: 0.7 in

Also called Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Dwarf Rainbowfish, Dwarf Neon Praecox Rainbowfish, Turquoise Rainbowfish, Peacock Rainbowfish, & Diamond Rainbowfish.
 
Color intensity can be sign of mood/health.
 
Like other rainbowfish, they’re very active swimmers.
 
Dorsal/ventral fins lend stability in swimming while tail/caudal fin helps it propel through water. Pectoral fins for locomotion & side to side movement.
 
Spawning lasts a few days w/ female laying new fertilized eggs each day.
 
Females scatter hundreds of eggs on vegetation.
 
Males often show better coloration in presence of females/other males & male competition often results in better breeding.
 
Fry spend much of their time very close to surface.
 
Best coloration often seen at sunrise.
 
After female produces eggs, male displays & directs female to spawning site.
 
Sometimes hybridize w/ related species in captivity.

Fun Fact(s):
These fish breed easily in captivity but raising fry can often be quite difficult.
 
These fish secrete mucus through skin providing protection against infection/parasites.
 
When spooked/startled, they will jump.
 
One of the most popular rainbowfish species in home aquariums. They 1st became popular in aquarium trade in 1990s.

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