Neon Peacock Rainbow

Name: Neon Peacock Rainbow
SKU: 15765
Availability: InStock

₹75

The Neon Rainbowfish ( $M e l an o t a e nia p r a eco x$ ), also called the Praecox Rainbowfish, is a small, dazzlingly active fish known for its silver body covered in an iridescent blue sheen. Male fins are often rimmed with bright red or orange, providing a spectacular color display in any community aquarium.

Categories: Fish Specific, Rainbows

Description

fish description – Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish Care Guide ( $M e l an o t a e nia p r a eco x$ )

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$M e l an o t a e nia p r a eco x$
Common Name	Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Praecox Rainbowfish, Diamond Rainbowfish
Origin	Mamberamo River basin (New Guinea, Indonesia)
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Temperament	Peaceful, very active, mid-to-upper level schooling fish
Lifespan	3–5 years
Care Level	Easy

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

Short Description: This species is prized for its entire body shimmering with an iridescent blue diamond-like sheen that flashes under the light. Males showcase red-orange finnage, while females typically have yellow fins.
Coloration: The body is laterally compressed and generally silver, but when healthy, it displays a vibrant electric blue. Males have striking red-orange edging on their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Females have a more silvery body and less intense, often yellowish, fins.
Fins: The two dorsal fins are positioned closely together, running along the back half of the body. Males display a prominent shiny white/blue stripe on their head during courtship.
Behavior: They are constant, fast swimmers that require open space. They are shoaling fish and will exhibit sparring behavior between males, which is typically harmless and encourages their best colors.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons long is the minimum for a small school. Due to their speed and activity, a longer tank (e.g., 29 gallons) is preferred over a tall one. A lid is recommended as they can jump.
Schooling: Should be kept in schools of at least 6–8 individuals; 10 or more is highly recommended. Keeping at least 1–2 females per male helps disperse male attention and minimize squabbling.
Temperature: Tropical range: $7 2^{\circ}$ – $8 2^{\circ} F (2 2^{\circ}$ – $2 8^{\circ} C)$ (ideally $7 4^{\circ}$ – $8 0^{\circ} F$ ).
pH Level: Highly adaptable, but prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water: 6.8 to 7.5. They are hardy but sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes, so high water quality is essential.
Aquascape: They thrive in densely planted aquariums (tall plants like Vallisneria work well) which provide cover and block line of sight during male disputes. Ensure large open swimming spaces are available in the middle of the tank. Dark substrate enhances their iridescent blue color.

Diet and Feeding

The Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish is an omnivore that is generally unfussy about food.

Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or micro-pellets that float or sink slowly.
Supplementation: A varied diet of small, meaty frozen or live foods is key to maintaining vibrant fin color. Offer Frozen Cyclops, Baby Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and Bloodworms. They also benefit from some vegetable matter.
Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. They are surface/mid-water feeders, so remove any food that sinks untouched to the bottom.

Compatibility

Caution: Their fast movements can stress slow or timid species. They may eat very small invertebrates, such as dwarf shrimp fry.
Good Tank Mates: Peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size. Excellent companions include Corydoras catfish, Rasboras, most Tetras, Angelfish, and peaceful Gouramis.