Melanotaenia Pygmaea

This small, rare dwarf rainbowfish hails from Western Australia. Discovered and collected in the 1980s from the Prince Regent River system by Dr. Gerald R. Allen, these iconic little fish have always been a crowd pleaser for their diminutive size and iridescent blue color scheme. Larger adult specimens topping out at 2.75 inches will exhibit a permanent gold-orange nuptial band that does not stop glowing even after breeding sessions.

Melanotaenia pygmaea are undemanding when it comes to feeding as they readily accept most dried prepared foods small enough to fit in their mouths. However, optimal breeding success can be achieved by providing high quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp or newly hatched Artemia nauplii. For best displays and coloration as well as overall health of specimens, good water quality is paramount. Pygmy Rainbowfish can thrive in an array of water hardness and pH.

Photos and Description by Jason Liang