Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish

The Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish,  is one of the lesser widespread variants of the Blue Eye Rainbowfish and is native to New Guinea, Indonesia. It lives in very large schools in areas with dense vegetation, so it is an ideal candidate for the planted aquarium and especially enjoys the cover of floating plants. Males display vibrant neon red to red-orange and blue coloration on their bodies and fins, particularly while competing with other males. The second dorsal and anal fins of males become very extended and fan-like with maturity. Females are typically smaller with shorter fins, but still usually display vibrant coloration.

The Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish is peaceful with other fish species of similar size and can even be kept with adult dwarf shrimp. The most intense color will be displayed when this fish is kept in schools of 6 or more, including multiple males, in a heavily planted, spacious aquarium to ensure that subdominant males are not overly harassed by dominant males. As with many rainbowfish, darker substrate will also often result in better coloration.

While this fish will easily accept high quality flake foods, it should also be fed plenty of small frozen or live meaty foods for optimal health and coloration.  The Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish is a somewhat timid fish compared to more aggressive schooling fish (such as larger tetras), so it can easily be out-competed for food by more aggressive eaters. Care must be taken to ensure that it gets its share of food. Otherwise, it is a very undemanding and hardy fish that is very active with a great deal of personality.