Family: Melanotaeniidae
Dwarf Rainbowfish — a Melanotaeniidae from N Australia & New Guinea, 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.
A Melanotaeniidae species native to N Australia & New Guinea: Melanotaenia praecox lives middle of the water column over warm freshwater streams and lakes. Peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently. Adults reach 6.8–9.9 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Melanotaenia species we profile, alongside Melanotaenia boesemani.
A moderate-level species: peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 27–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–8, GH 9–19 dGH suit it.
Full size is 6.8–9.9 cm. Minimum tank: 118 L, with open swimming space along its middle of the water column habits.
Omnivore; quality flakes plus vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Yes, with care. Peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently — pair it with Other rainbowfish and large peaceful tetras — Share the open mid-water and skip Boisterous cichlids — Stress and fin damage.
Its home waters are N Australia & New Guinea — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
Prolific egg-scatterer when kept hard and alkaline. Subtle external differences.