Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Neon Dwarf Rainbow is endemic to one of the largest river systems on the island of Papua New Guinea, the Mamberamo River. One of the smallest members of the Melanotaenia genus, both sexes of Neon dwarf rainbow sport beautiful shimmering blue bodies. Males will have bright red fins however, while females will have slightly duller fins. Some specimens available for sale, however, are juvenile fishes with undeveloped coloration. With patience and the proper environment, your Neon dwarf rainbows will shine in no time [literally]! A popular fish for the planted aquarium, rainbowfish are relatively peaceful but can intimidate slower or timid species with their activity level. Neon dwarf rainbows would do best in a mixed sex group of 6 or more individuals; mixing of different rainbow species can also be done successfully, but it should be noted that this species is generally offered at a significantly smaller size than other Melanotaenia rainbow congeners. Males will show their best coloration in the presence of both females and other conspecific males. An adult Neon dwarf rainbow can reach a size of approximately 2.5″. Note: Aquatics Unlimited recognizes the impact of the aquarium trade on certain wild fish populations. Therefore, all of our Neon dwarf rainbows are sourced from aquaculture.
Diet Requirements: Neon dwarf rainbows are omnivores and relatively unfussy when it comes to food. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods or floating pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 to 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Neon dwarf rainbows. Given the activity level of this fish, the length of the aquarium is particularly important to consider. A tight fitting lid is highly suggested because some individuals are known to jump. Neon dwarf rainbows are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and therefore should not be added into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for Neon dwarf rainbows (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as they require clean water and will especially show dull coloration in deteriorating water parameters. Given their natural habitat, Neon dwarf rainbows like generous water movement and a well oxygenated environment that may only be achieved by a larger filtration system. An ideal aquascape for rainbowfish is dense, tall live plants on one side of the aquarium with open swimming space on the other side. Other decor is of insignificance to rainbowfish considering they mainly exploit the middle or top regions of the aquarium. Neon dwarf rainbows rarely conflict with tank mates, though males could flare up at each other to maintain their status in the pecking order. Barbs, danios, and larger tetras make excellent tank mates for Neon dwarf rainbows. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 5-15, pH 7.0-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium 1-1/2” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
