Melanotaenia praecox Photos

March 13th, 2008

I just wanted to share a few shots of my Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, or Melanotaenia praecox. I have a school of 13 fish in my 40G tank right now, and they’re great for photography, as they tend to hover in place against the current. The school I have right now is mostly females, and I haven’t had any fry survive, probably due to the Apistogramma that are also in the tank.

Melanotaenia praecox

Here’s a close-up of one of the males in the tank. These fish are still relatively young, and haven’t fully developed the steep forehead that’s common among adult rainbowfish. The males seem to develop a slightly more pronounced arc than the females do.

Melanotaenia praecox

Below is one of the females, identified by the yellow in her fins, whereas the males fins have a reddish hue. The iridescent blue tint of their scales are even more intense and shiny in person, than in these photos. If you haven’t kept these fish, they’re perfect for planted aquariums, and wonderful community fish — just make sure to keep them happy by having schools of 6 or more.

Melanotaenia praecox

4 Responses to “Melanotaenia praecox Photos”

  1. Jason Says:

    Their upper lip is pretty fleshy and weird looking. I wasn’t really interested in RBFs before, but now I may have to look into them.

  2. guitarfish Says:

    There are some really stunning rainbowfish. Definitely investigate them!

  3. Sonny Disposition Says:

    Hi Kris! I was searching M. praecox and came across your post. I picked some small ones up at the last PVAS auction, more or less on impulse (OK, more.) I’m really starting to like them a lot more than I thought I would, and will probably try to breed them. Thanks for your post.

    Bob

  4. guitarfish Says:

    That’s for your comment, Bob! M. praecox are great fish (as are most rainbowfish). I hope you’re successful in breeding them.