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Red Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
📍 New Guinea
A spectacular rainbowfish from Lake Sentani, New Guinea, where mature males develop an intense, deep red body coloration that is among the most vivid of any freshwater fish — females and juveniles are a drab silver-green. Best kept as a species group or with peaceful community fish in a 55+ gallon tank; males display most colorfully when given a well-planted tank with good lighting and a dark substrate.
Care Guide
Diet
Red Rainbowfish are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia once daily in small portions. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods weekly to support coloration and overall health.
Behavior
These are active, schooling fish that spend most of their time in the mid-water column, constantly moving and exploring. Males display vibrant red coloration and engage in competitive posturing with other males, making them most colorful in well-planted tanks with subdued lighting and dark substrates. They are peaceful but may chase smaller fish or fry.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but requires patience and specific conditions. Provide dense vegetation or spawning mops, slightly acidic to neutral water, and temperatures around 75-77°F; eggs hatch in 7-8 days and fry are free-swimming within 2 weeks. Separate fry immediately as parents may consume them.
Tank Mates
Similar size, temperament, and water requirements; compatible schooling behavior
Peaceful rainbowfish with matching water parameters and mid-water swimming habits
Peaceful schooling fish with similar water requirements; avoid very small tetras
Peaceful algae eater that occupies different tank zones; prefers similar warm water
May be preyed upon by larger males; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with hiding spots
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 79-80°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and avoid sharp decorations
Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)
White or gray film on body, mouth rot, fin erosion, loss of appetite
Increase aeration, perform daily 50% water changes, treat with antibacterial medication; isolate affected fish if possible and maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, clamped fins, weight loss, visible parasites on gills
Use anti-parasitic medication designed for freshwater fish; perform water changes every 2-3 days during treatment and maintain optimal water parameters
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Water it likes
- ph
- 7.0–8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)