Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish

The Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, also known as the Dwarf Rainbowfish, is a spectacular small rainbowfish that displays iridescent blue-green bodies with bright red-orange fins. Unlike larger rainbowfish species, these stay small at around 2 inches, making them perfect for medium-sized community tanks. They are active, peaceful, and their flashing colors as they school together create one of the most beautiful displays in freshwater aquaria. Males display the brightest colors, especially when showing off for females.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Dwarf Neon Rainbows need swimming space and appreciate some water movement. They look best in planted tanks with open areas for their active swimming.

Essential Setup:

• Heater maintaining 74-77°F
• Moderate filtration with some flow
• Dark substrate (essential for color display)
• Moderate to bright lighting
• Plants along back and sides
• Open swimming space required
• Slightly raised pH acceptable (unlike most tetras)

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (can handle slightly alkaline)
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-20 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Unlike tetras, rainbowfish appreciate slightly harder, more alkaline water.

Feeding

Omnivores that need varied diet for best color:

• High-quality flakes or small pellets
• Frozen foods: brine shrimp, daphnia
• Live foods
• Vegetable matter: spirulina, vegetable flakes

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily.

Behavior & Compatibility

Active, peaceful schooling fish suitable for:

• Community tanks with similar sized fish
• Other peaceful schooling fish
• Bottom dwellers
• Livebearers

Avoid:

• Large predatory fish
• Very slow fish (outcompeted for food)
• Fin-nippers

Schooling Behavior

Keep in groups of 6 minimum, preferably 8-10. They form tight schools and males constantly display to females and rival males with their brilliant colors.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males: Intense iridescent blue-green body, bright red-orange fins, more slender Females: Duller, yellow-green body, yellow fins, fuller-bodied

Color Enhancement

Colors intensify with:

• Dark substrate (critical!)
• Varied diet with carotenoids
• Clean water
• Proper group size (6+)
• Slightly higher pH than tetras prefer

Tips for Success

• Dark gravel is essential for colors
• Keep in groups with multiple males for displays
• More active than tetras—need swimming room
• Can handle harder water than most tetras
• One of the most colorful fish for community tanks