Dwarf Rainbowfish — a Melanotaeniidae from 中北美洲, peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently. Reaches 6.8–9.9 cm; groups of 6–8 minimum; larger schools calm them. 27–30 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
27–30 °C
pH
7–8
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
6.8–9.9 cm
Minimum tank
118 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently
Origin
中北美洲
Species overview
Melanotaeniidae species Melanotaenia praecox comes from 中北美洲. A schooling fish of open, sunlit water whose colours arrive with maturity, not in the shop tank. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 6.8–9.9 cm. Groups of 6–8 minimum; larger schools calm them. Long tank, big group, steady water changes — colour follows within months. Maintain 27–30 °C at pH 7–8. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 6–8 minimum; larger schools calm them
Diet
Omnivore; quality flakes plus vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
Other rainbowfish and large peaceful tetras — Share the open mid-water
Avoid keeping with
Boisterous cichlids — Stress and fin damage
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Prolific egg-scatterer when kept hard and alkaline