Description
Neon Dwarf Rainbow (Melanotaenia praecox) – Small Size, Big Shine
The Neon Dwarf Rainbow (Melanotaenia praecox) is a vibrant and energetic freshwater fish known for its shimmering, iridescent silver-blue body and vivid red or orange fins. Despite its small size, this peaceful species delivers an eye-catching display of color and activity, making it a favorite for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Native to the Mamberamo River system in New Guinea, the Neon Dwarf Rainbow is best kept in planted community tanks with clean, well-oxygenated water. They are happiest and display their best colors when kept in groups of six or more.
Key Features:
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Latin Name: Melanotaenia praecox
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Common Name: Neon Dwarf Rainbow
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Coloration: Shiny silver-blue body with contrasting red/orange fins
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Temperament: Peaceful, lively, and social
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Size: Up to 2.5–3 inches
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Tank Requirements: Minimum 20 gallons, with plants and open swimming areas
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Diet: Omnivorous—flakes, micro pellets, and live/frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia
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Compatibility: Excellent for peaceful community tanks; ideal with tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras
Tips:
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Use darker substrate and strong lighting to enhance their shimmer.
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Maintain stable water conditions and regular water changes to support color and health.
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Keep a balanced ratio of males to females to reduce aggression and promote natural behavior.
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A planted tank with gentle flow brings out the best in their appearance and activity.
Why Choose This Fish?
The Neon Dwarf Rainbow is the perfect combination of manageable size, vivid color, and playful movement. It’s an ideal choice for aquarists who want a standout species for small to medium community tanks that adds life, beauty, and charm without demanding care.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
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