Neon Blue Dwarf Rainbowfish
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🐟 Neon Blue Dwarf Rainbowfish Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia praecox |
| Common Name | Neon Blue Dwarf Rainbowfish |
| Origin | Papua New Guinea (Aru Islands, tropical freshwater streams) |
| Adult Size | 6–7 cm (2.4–2.8 in) |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active schooling fish |
| Tank Level | Mid to upper |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 80+ liters (20+ gallons) for a small school |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–12 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel |
| Decor | Plants, driftwood, open swimming areas |
| Lighting | Moderate to bright |
| Filtration | Moderate flow; well-oxygenated water |
Tips:
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Keep in schools of 6–10 to encourage natural shoaling behavior.
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Provide open swimming space with some plants for cover.
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Brighter lighting enhances their metallic blue coloration.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Best Foods: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets, frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms), occasional vegetable matter.
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small feedings daily; avoid overfeeding.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful and active; excellent for community aquariums.
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Mid- to upper-level swimmers; males are more intensely colored, especially in groups.
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Social and thrives in well-maintained tanks with stable water.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Small peaceful tetras (neon, ember)
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Rasboras (harlequin, chili)
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Corydoras catfish
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Other small rainbowfish or danios
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Aggressive or predatory fish
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Fin-nippers
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Fish that outcompete for food
🐣 Breeding Info
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Spawning Method: Egg scatterers; fine-leaved plants or spawning mops recommended.
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Parental Care: None; adults may eat eggs.
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Fry Care: Feed infusoria or microworms first, then baby brine shrimp.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Known for its vivid metallic blue body and peaceful temperament.
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Ideal for community tanks, especially in planted aquariums.
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Highly active and best displayed in schools for maximum visual effect.
