Red Rainbowfish
Also known as: Glossolepis incisus
The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a vibrant freshwater species native to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia. The Red Rainbowfish originates from Endemic to Lake Sentani and its tributaries in Papua, Indonesia., reaches Adult size: 12-15 cm in captivity, typically lives 5-8 years, and is kept at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Endemic to Lake Sentani and its tributaries in Papua, Indonesia.
- Adult size
- Adult size: 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches)
- Life span
- 5-8 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful and active schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Tank size
- Minimum 150 liters (40 gallons) for a group of 6-8 individuals.
- Water temp
- 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH range
- pH 7.0-8.0
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on high-quality flakes, micro pellets, live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms; supplement with blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Other names
- Glossolepis incisus
About the Red Rainbowfish
The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a vibrant freshwater species native to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia. Males display striking metallic red to orange coloration, especially during breeding, while females are more subdued silver-gray. They are active swimmers that inhabit the upper and middle water columns, preferring well-planted tanks with open swimming space. As a schooling fish, they exhibit natural behaviors and reduced stress when kept in groups of six or more.
Lifespan and health
With optimal care, Red Rainbowfish typically live 5-8 years in captivity, though exceptional individuals may reach up to 10 years. Longevity is strongly influenced by water quality, diet variety, and low stress levels; consistent maintenance and a stable environment are critical for maximizing lifespan. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease) due to poor water quality or temperature fluctuations, fin rot from bacterial infections in overcrowded or dirty tanks, and internal parasites if live food is not sourced responsibly. Preventive measures include quarantining new fish, maintaining nitrate levels below 20 ppm, avoiding overfeeding, and using UV sterilizers in high-risk setups. Early signs of illness include lethargy, loss of color, clamped fins, or refusal to eat—prompt isolation and treatment with appropriate medications (e.g., copper-based for ich, antibiotics for fin rot) are essential for recovery.
Overview
The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a vibrant freshwater species native to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia. Males display striking metallic red to orange coloration, especially during breeding, while females are more subdued silver-gray. They are active swimmers that inhabit the upper and middle water columns, preferring well-planted tanks with open swimming space. As a schooling fish, they exhibit natural behaviors and reduced stress when kept in groups of six or more.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup: Provide a minimum 150-liter (40-gallon) aquarium with a sandy or fine gravel substrate, dense planting along the sides and background using species like Vallisneria, Java fern, or Cryptocoryne, and leave open swimming areas in the center. Include driftwood and smooth rocks for natural aesthetics, but avoid overcrowding the midwater zone. Use a tight-fitting lid as they are known jumpers. Water: Maintain stable parameters with a temperature of 24-28°C (75-82°F), pH 7.0-8.0, and hardness between 8-15 dGH. Perform 25% weekly water changes to keep nitrates below 20 ppm. Use a gentle to moderate flow filter (e.g., canister or hang-on-back) to mimic their natural stream-influenced habitat without creating strong currents. Feeding: Offer a varied diet 2-3 times daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Base diet on high-quality omnivore flakes or micro pellets, supplemented 3-4 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. Include blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach) once weekly to support digestive health. Tankmates: Ideal companions include other peaceful, active rainbowfish species (e.g., Melanotaenia spp.), peaceful barbs (e.g., Cherry Barbs), Corydoras catfish, and small, non-aggressive tetras. Avoid fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs or overly aggressive cichlids. Maintain a group of at least 6 Red Rainbowfish to encourage natural schooling behavior and reduce stress-induced aggression.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Red Rainbowfish, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.