What size tank do dwarf neon rainbowfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Melanotaenia praecox.
How many dwarf neon rainbowfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if dwarf neon rainbowfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many dwarf neon rainbowfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 11 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 15 |
| 55 gallon | up to 21 |
| 75 gallon | up to 28 |
| 125 gallon | up to 47 |
Check dwarf neon rainbowfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, dwarf neon rainbowfish hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for dwarf neon rainbowfish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Pearl gourami
- Bolivian ram
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Bronze corydoras
- Sterba's corydoras
- Clown pleco
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as dwarf neon rainbowfish.
Questions and answers
What size tank do dwarf neon rainbowfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many dwarf neon rainbowfish should be kept together?
At least 6. Dwarf neon rainbowfish are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can dwarf neon rainbowfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Dwarf neon rainbowfish needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do dwarf neon rainbowfish need?
73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can dwarf neon rainbowfish live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Pictus catfish
- Upside-down catfish
- Boeseman's rainbowfish
- Threadfin rainbowfish
- Clown killifish
- Rainbow shark
- All 81 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.