FishCompat
Praecox Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) in a freshwater aquarium

Melanotaeniidae

Praecox Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia praecox

Praecox Rainbowfishs are intermediate-level peaceful aquarium residents that reach about 3.1 in. Praecox Rainbowfishs are active, peaceful schooling fish that need open swimming room. They pair well with similarly sized community fish in stable water.

Compatible50 compatible19 caution10 avoid

Quick Stats

Tank

30+ gal

pH

6.5-7.8

Temp

73-82F

Size

3.1 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Care

Intermediate

Swim Level

Middle

Group

6+

Praecox Rainbowfish Care Guide

The Praecox Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) is a intermediate-level freshwater aquarium resident from New Guinea. It reaches about 3.1 inches and should be kept in tanks of at least 30 gallons.

Keep water near pH 6.5-7.8, temperature 73-82F, and hardness 8-20 dH. Feed omnivore, flakes, vegetables with 1-2 small feedings daily.

Praecox Rainbowfishs are active, peaceful schooling fish that need open swimming room. They pair well with similarly sized community fish in stable water.

See all tank mates for Praecox Rainbowfish

Top Compatible Tank Mates

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Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) in a freshwater aquarium

Amano Shrimp

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.8
Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in a freshwater aquarium

Bamboo Shrimp

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.8
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Black Neon Tetra

Size 1.6 inpH 5.5-7.5
Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) in a freshwater aquarium

Boesemani Rainbowfish

Size 4.3 inpH 7-8
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bolivian Ram

Size 3.1 inpH 6-7.5
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bristlenose Pleco

Size 5.1 inpH 6.5-7.8
Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bronze Corydoras

Size 2.8 inpH 6-7.5
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Cardinal Tetra

Size 2 inpH 4.8-6.8

Use Caution With

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) in a freshwater aquarium

Angelfish

Size 5.9 inpH 6.5-7.5
Apistogramma (Apistogramma cacatuoides) in a freshwater aquarium

Apistogramma

Size 3.1 inpH 5.5-7.5
Betta (Betta splendens) in a freshwater aquarium

Betta

Size 2.8 inpH 6.5-7.8
Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) in a freshwater aquarium

Black Skirt Tetra

Size 2.4 inpH 6-7.5

Species To Avoid

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) in a freshwater aquarium

African Dwarf Frog

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.8
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a freshwater aquarium

Axolotl

Size 0.4 inpH 6.8-8
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) in a freshwater aquarium

Clown Loach

Size 11.8 inpH 6-7.5
Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) in a freshwater aquarium

Common Pleco

Size 17.7 inpH 6.5-7.8