A rare and highly active schooling fish native to the Grime River system in New Guinea, currently listed as Critically Endangered in the wild. Widely known in the hobby as Dority's Rainbowfish, they are prized for the male's unique zigzag lateral striping. They are peaceful community fish that require spacious, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of open swimming room.
Grime Rainbowfish At a Glance
Grime Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Grime Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Grime Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Grime Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Grime Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Grime Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Grime Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are distinguished by their deeper bodies, extended first dorsal fin rays, and stunning zigzag stripes. They display vibrant colors, especially in the morning, and will harmlessly flare at competing males to establish dominance.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Zig Zag
Female
Females are slightly smaller, entirely peaceful, and lack the striking zigzag markings of the males, possessing a more uniform silver appearance. A group should ideally contain more females than males to spread out male display and spawning behavior.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Silver, Unsexed
Grime Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Grime Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Glossolepis dorityi, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Grime Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.8–7.8 and a general hardness of 8–18 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Grime Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Grime Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Grime Rainbowfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Grime Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Grime Rainbowfish is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Grime Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Grime Rainbowfish.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Grime Rainbowfish
How big does Grime Rainbowfish get?
Grime Rainbowfish (Glossolepis dorityi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Grime Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Grime Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Grime Rainbowfish need?
Grime Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6.8 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 8–18 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Grime Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Grime Rainbowfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Grime Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Grime Rainbowfish is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Grime Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Grime Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Grime Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Grime Rainbowfish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Grime Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Grime Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Mottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesDainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Grime Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Grime Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Grime Rainbowfish
Murray River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
A robust and active schooling fish native to the cooler waters of the Murray-Darling basin in Australia. Unlike many tropical rainbowfish, it thrives in subtropical or unheated aquariums at normal room temperatures. They are peaceful but extremely fast swimmers, requiring long tanks with plenty of open swimming space.
Mubi Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia mubiensis
A rare, energetic, and colorful schooling fish native to the clear, limestone-filtered streams of the Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. As they mature, males develop striking colors and deep bodies. Like most rainbowfish, they are highly active, requiring long aquariums with moderate flow and moderately hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Chilatherina bulolo
A rare and highly active rainbowfish native to the fast-flowing mountain streams and white-water rapids of the Markham and Ramu river systems in Papua New Guinea. They possess a silvery body with a distinct black streak on the upper and lower edges of the caudal fin. Because of their specialized natural habitat, they require highly oxygenated, fast-flowing water and alkaline conditions to thrive in an aquarium.
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Glossolepis leggetti
A rare and highly active schooling fish native to the Wapoga and Tiawiwa River systems in West Papua, Indonesia. Known for its distinct sexual dimorphism as it matures, with males developing a deep arch and striking green/blue iridescence. Like most rainbowfish, they require highly oxygenated water, moderate flow, and significant horizontal swimming space.
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
Glossolepis wanamensis
A critically endangered species (IUCN Red List) endemic to Lake Wanam in Papua New Guinea. Known for the extreme deep-bodied shape and metallic green-bronze colors that mature males develop. They are fast, active schooling fish that require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space. Excellent for large planted aquariums.
New Guinea Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia affinis
An active, schooling species native to the streams of northern New Guinea. Known for their striking lateral stripe and vibrant fin coloration that flashes during morning displays. They are peaceful but highly energetic, requiring ample open swimming space and highly oxygenated water to thrive.