Goliad Farms, LP 8497 FM 622
Goliad, Texas 77963		 Voice  361.645.2252
Fax     361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com

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Fish
Barbs
Catfish Sharks & Scavengers
Cichlids
Danios & Minnows
Goodeids
Gouramis & Anabantoids
Guppies
Killifish
Limias
Mollies
Oddballs & Miscellaneous
Platies - Maculatus & Variatus
Rainbowfish
Swordtails
Tetras Characins & Rasboras

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina
bleheri
Glossolepis
Dwarf Redtail Blue
incisus 'Irian Red'
Pink
wanamensis
Melanotaenia
affinis, Pagwi
boesemani
duboulayi
goldiei
lacustris
maccullochi
nigrans 'Ali Lopez'
nigrans, Scott's Creek
'Orange Tail Silver'
parkinsoni
praecox
M. splendida
'Ali Lopez'
australis
australis 'Dwarf Red'
inornata, Daly River
'Pink'
rubrostriata
splendida, Davie's Creek
splendida, Deepwater Creek
M. trifasciata
Archer River
Giddy River
Goyder River
Running Creek
Upper Goyder River

Melanotaenia praecox

   Melanotaenia praecox is a stream dwelling rainbowfish from north-central New Guinea (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). This fish is often referred to as the "Neon Rainbowfish". The top photo is a large mature male about 7.5cm (three inches) long. The bottom photo is a mature female about 6cm (2.5 inches) long. We acquired this species from a commercial source in 1997.

Size: Males and females reach 7.5cm (3 in.).

Description: Both sexes have iridescent sky blue bodies. Males have red fins while females have yellow to orange fins. Males have rounder bodies than the slimmer females. These fish certainly deserve their common name of "Neon Rainbowfish". The top photo is of a male. The bottom photo is a female. We acquired this strain from a commercial source in 1995.

Environment: This species tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).

Geographic Range: This species has a small range in north central New Guinea.

Temperament: This species is not aggressive and is an active swimmer. It can be kept either in a large single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with other rainbowfish or other fish with similar behavior.

Feeding: Feeding is simple with the fish taking prepared foods as well as live and frozen foods. Periodic feedings of Daphnia or other live foods are helpful in color maintenance, general health and breeding.

Spawning: This rainbowfish spawns like other rainbowfish, laying eggs daily in fine leaved plants or plant roots (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish breeding). The eggs hatch in about 12 days and the fry can take microworms, vinegar eels or infusorians immediately. Growth is rapid and sexual maturity is reached in about 4 months. The fry can be reared with the adults since they do not eat fry.

Additional Information and Photos: For more information about and additional photos of this species, click on one of the following links:
   http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Melanotaenia.htm    

Page last modified June 6, 2007.

Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, LP