Red Rainbowfish care guide
Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) — minimum tank 200 L, temperature 22-27 °C, pH 7-8.
Overview
The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a large melanotaeniid endemic to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia. Mature males develop brilliant red bodies; females and juveniles are silvery-olive.
Taxonomy
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Genus: Glossolepis
- Scientific name: Glossolepis incisus
- Common synonyms: Glossolepis Rainbowfish
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Sentani and its tributaries in Papua, Indonesia, in hard, slightly alkaline water with dense aquatic vegetation around the shoreline.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (52.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 10-15 cm
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 7-8
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer pellets, flakes and a variety of live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia). A varied diet supports colour development.
Compatibility
A peaceful active schooling species. Keep a group of at least six in a long aquarium of 200 L or more. Compatible with other large rainbowfish, peaceful catfish and similarly sized active community species.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Females release small batches of adhesive eggs daily over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops; eggs incubate for around 7-10 days.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. Wild populations in Lake Sentani are threatened by introduced fish and habitat degradation; aquarium specimens today are mostly captive-bred.