Neon Rainbowfish

Name: Neon Rainbowfish
Brand: Apex Aquatic
Price: 25.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$25.00

or 4 interest-free payments of $6.25 with Afterpayhow it works

Available in-store only

Free in-store pickup Ready to collect at our Melbourne store

Quarantined & health-checked

Every fish passes through our dedicated quarantine system and strict biosecurity monitoring before sale - so it arrives healthy, settled and ready to thrive. How we quarantine →

Arrive Alive guarantee
Hand-selected in Melbourne
Secure checkout
Expert local advice

Questions about this item? Contact us

Description

About the Neon Rainbowfish

The Neon Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is one of the most dazzling freshwater fish available, admired for its brilliant iridescent blue body and vibrant red or orange fins. Native to the clear streams of West Papua, Indonesia, this compact rainbowfish is a favourite among aquarists thanks to its peaceful nature, active schooling behaviour and stunning metallic sheen.

Neon Rainbowfish are highly social and should be kept in schools of at least six individuals to encourage natural behaviour and maximise their vibrant colours. Their constant activity makes them a captivating addition to planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks, where they coexist happily with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids and other small rainbowfish.

A well-planted aquarium with open swimming space, excellent filtration and stable water conditions provides the ideal environment. These hardy omnivores readily accept high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods, with a varied diet helping to maintain their brilliant colouration.

Easy to care for, full of personality and always on the move, the Neon Rainbowfish is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists looking to add vibrant colour and energy to their freshwater aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Melanotaenia praecox

Common Name

Neon Rainbowfish

Origin

West Papua, Indonesia

Adult Size

5–6 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

90 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

6.5–7.5

Water Hardness

5–15 dGH

Difficulty

Easy

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, peaceful community aquariums and nano community displays

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Neon Rainbowfish suitable for beginners?

Yes. Neon Rainbowfish are hardy, adaptable and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner aquarists with a fully cycled aquarium.

How many Neon Rainbowfish should be kept together?

They should be kept in schools of at least six fish. Larger groups reduce stress, promote natural schooling behaviour and encourage males to display their brightest colours.

What do Neon Rainbowfish eat?

They are omnivores that readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, as well as occasional live foods.

Can Neon Rainbowfish live in a community aquarium?

Absolutely. They are peaceful fish that do well with other small community species including tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf gouramis and peaceful dwarf cichlids.

Are Neon Rainbowfish suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. They thrive in planted aquariums with dense vegetation around the edges and plenty of open swimming space through the centre of the tank.

Do Neon Rainbowfish breed easily?

Yes. They are egg scatterers that will spawn among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in excellent water conditions. Removing the eggs from the adults greatly improves fry survival.

Common Mistakes

Keeping Too Few Fish

Neon Rainbowfish are schooling fish and become stressed when kept alone or in small groups. Keeping six or more encourages natural behaviour and better colour.

Providing Too Little Swimming Space

Although relatively small, they are active swimmers and require open areas within the aquarium to school comfortably.

Feeding Only Dry Foods

A varied diet that includes frozen and live foods helps maintain vibrant colours, strong immunity and breeding condition.

Poor Water Maintenance

Regular water changes and stable water parameters are essential to prevent stress and maintain long-term health.

Keeping With Aggressive Tank Mates

Avoid housing Neon Rainbowfish with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may intimidate or injure them.

Neglecting Live Plants

Planted aquariums provide shelter, improve water quality and encourage natural behaviour while making their iridescent colours stand out.

Shipping & delivery

This product is for in-store purchase only. Available for in-store pickup.

Read our full shipping policy →

Returns

We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.

Care & quarantine

This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.

How we quarantine →