Wild Distribution: New Guinea
M. Praecox is found in clear, swift flowing streams and swampy habitats usually around sub-surface vegetation, submerged logs, or branches
Length: Up to 2.5 inches
Water Temperature: 23-27 degrees celcius
Males differ from females in colour and shape. Males have a red trim on dorsal, tail and anal fins. The body shimmers with blue and silver. The males become much deeper body wise and the head may look more pinched. Females stay slimmer but do get a lot wider when carrying eggs. The females(like the one pictured above) have more of a reddish yellow trim on their fins and the upper body is not quite as shimmery as the males. They are monstrous eaters. They seem to prefer surface food, but will chase food to mid level.
Breeding:
M.Praecox is a substratum egg layer. Eggs adhere to the roots of floating vegetation , or in the leaves of fine leafed plants near the water’s surface. If using a mop breeding technique in the home aquarium, look for the eggs high in the mop.
Diet:
They need an omnivorous diet. They love live insects, Bloodworms, artemia, frozen foods, and flakes. But they should be provided with a good source of vegetation, as well. They will readily nibble on hair algae in the tank and duckweed, if made available to them.