The dwarf neon rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox, a small spiny-rayed fish with potential as a new Acanthomorpha model fish: I. Fin ray ontogeny and postembryonic staging.

Melanotaenia praecox is an ideal species to rear in laboratories for developmental studies. Our classification allows for postembryonic staging of this species independent of individual age and body size. Development of each fin ray may be synchronized with dorsal fin development. We discuss the differences in mechanisms regulating soft, spiny, and procurrent ray development.