Sepik Rainbowfish (Glossolepis multisquamatus) Care Guide
Glossolepis multisquamatus is a finely scaled rainbowfish from the Sepik region of New Guinea, inhabiting swampy lagoons and river side channels.
Overview
Glossolepis multisquamatus, the Sepik rainbowfish, belongs to the family Melanotaeniidae. FishBase lists males to about 12 cm and females to about 10 cm standard length. The body is finely scaled and pale silvery, with golden mid-line marks in mature males.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Glossolepis
- Scientific name: Glossolepis multisquamatus
Habitat
FishBase records the species from New Guinea, where it inhabits swampy lagoons, lakes and small side channels of large rivers, with reported pH around 6.2-6.8.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 2.7 and describes it as carnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates taken from mid-water or the surface. In aquaria it takes frozen and live invertebrates and suitable dry foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful, active mid-water schooler best kept in a group of eight or more in spacious tanks with other rainbowfish of similar size.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).