Red Rainbowfish

Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis Incisus)

The Red Rainbowfish is a striking and vibrant freshwater species native to Papua New Guinea. These beautiful fish are characterized by their bright red-orange coloration, which is more pronounced in males, while females display a more subdued silver hue. Males also showcase a more elongated body shape.

Red Rainbowfish grow to around 4-6 inches in length and are best kept in schools of at least 6 individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress. Being peaceful in nature, Red Rainbowfish are suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species of similar size. They can be housed with other rainbowfish, tetras, rasboras, and peaceful bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish.

Red Rainbowfish are omnivores, requiring a varied diet of high-quality flake food, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A diverse diet will ensure their health and maintain their striking colors.

A well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming spaces is necessary for the Red Rainbowfish. Rainbowfish are active swimmers and require an aquarium with plenty of room to move about and abundant plant life to give them a sense of security. Their natural habitat features various leggy plants like Dwarf Sagittaria, Vallisneria, and Anubias, which are easy for the fish to navigate through. When arranging the plants, ensure to leave unobstructed open swimming areas. A substrate consisting of rocks or sand with driftwood can help recreate their native environment, but the tank floor is of lesser importance, as they usually swim in the middle levels. The addition of floating plants to diffuse the light entering the tank also seems to be appreciated and adds a more natural feel.

Maintaining a clean and well-oxygenated tank is crucial for Red Rainbowfish, as their water should be free from nitrates and ammonia. They prefer moderate water currents and appreciate a substantial water flow, making a power filter an excellent choice for their aquarium.

A minimum tank size of 40 gallons is recommended, with 50 gallons or larger in community aquariums. The ideal water parameters for these fish include a pH of 7.0-8.0, a hardness of 10-20 dGH, and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C).

Do not add this fish to a biologically immature aquarium, as it can be susceptible to swings in water chemistry.