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Neon rainbow

Neon Rainbow Fish:

Neon rainbow is a kind of fish that was originally found in Oceanic regions of New Guinea and later imported to the United States of America and other parts of the world.



The scientific name of Neon Rainbow fish is Melanotaenia praecox. They take their popular name from the fact that their bodies are very colorful with neon blue hues contrasting with red fins and reflect beautifully when light reaches them through water. These fish may grow up to the length of 6 cms.



These fish are most commonly found in water that is clear and flow swiftly, in moderately warm climates. The males and the females differ in color, shape and size. The males are typically more colorful than the females and have deep red dorsal and tail fins.



In contrast, the females have a pale yellowish tint on their fins. The males also have bodies that shimmer with blue and silvery tints. The females’ bodies are not so shiny in comparison. The females are generally quite small and thin but they grow fairly broad when they carry eggs. These fish are quite peaceful by nature and spend most of their time in schools of their own kind or with other fish too if they are very few in number.

Neon rainbow has gained immense popularity with fish lovers who keep aquariums in their homes. There are a few basic facts that you should keep in mind if you wish to breed this fish at home. Do not put them in the company of aggressive fish. These fish like to live in planted, clean water. They prefer to live in a mildly acidic environment so it is suggested that you keep the pH level of the water inside your aquarium at around 6.5 These fish have tiny mouths and throats so it is advisable that you feed them very small portions of flakes at frequent intervals. They also eat live and frozen food provided it is offered to them either near the surface of the water or at mid-level. When the temperature of the water is raised to 80F, these fish start to spawn. They spawn in small amounts over a period of time. If the fish are properly fed, they do not eat their own eggs. If the temperature of the water is maintained at the higher end, the eggs hatch within 10 days. You can expect these fish to live up to four years.
 
  Submitted on February 12, 2010