Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox)
| Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish |
| Name Lat. | Melanotaenia praecox |
| Family | Rainbowfishes |
| Family lat. | Melanotaeniidae |
| Order | Silversides |
| Order lat. | Atheriniformes |
| Origin | New Guinea |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.6-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6 cm |
| Temperature | 24-29 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 160 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4" |
| Temperature | 75-84 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Diamond Rainbowfish is tributaries of the Mamberamo River in West Papua, New Guinea. They are found in a variety of habitats with dense underwater vegetation and floating plant cover, such as floodplains and swamps, as well as streams and small rivers with moderate currents, where they usually live in shoals among branches and roots. There are some populations that differ in coloration.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense background and edge planting, with hiding places (roots, stones) and plenty of free swimming space. A fine sandy substrate, slightly shaded light (floating plants) and clear, rather soft water is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live food, such as cyclops, daphnia, mysis, artemia and mosquito larvae, which is also accepted without problems in frozen form, supplemented with frozen special food mixtures. They also need some vegetable food, such as algae leaves, pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) with vegetable components (spirulina, kelp). It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively and swimming fish, which show their most beautiful coloration in the shoal. At least 5, but preferably more Diamond Rainbowfish should be kept together. In too small groups they are often quarrelsome. They can be socialized well with rainbowfish of similar size, but also with other fish. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is more colorful and larger than the female.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners, which during the reproductive period daily in the morning (morning sun) deposit their eggs with adhesive filaments in fine-leaved plants. The fry hatch after 6-7 days. The parents do not engage in brood care.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, infusoria). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey here.
Important
They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered.
Different populations of Diamond Rainbowfish should not be kept together, as they can interbreed (hybridize).
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF