Native to Lake Sentani in Indonesia, this species is famous for the brilliant salmon-red coloration of mature males. They are large, active schooling fish that develop a distinct high-arched back as they age. Females are vastly different in appearance (olive-gold). They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
The desirable bright red form. Males develop a tall body height (high back) and intense red color as they mature. They are boisterous and will spar with other males to display dominance.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Super Red, High Back
Female
Drastically different from males. Females are olive-green/yellowish with silvery scales and maintain a more streamlined shape. Essential in the tank to encourage males to display their best colors.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Olive, Silver
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesRed Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Red Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Glossolepis incisus, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Red Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard) 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.
Red Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Rainbowfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface 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 and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Red Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Red 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, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Rainbowfish.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Red Rainbowfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Red Rainbowfish will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food — target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help. Find quality Red Rainbowfish fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Rainbowfish
How big does Red Rainbowfish get?
Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Red Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Rainbowfish need?
Red Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Red Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Red Rainbowfish is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Red Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Red 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 Red Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Rainbowfish benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Red Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Red 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.
Similar Species
Celebes Rainbowfish
Marosatherina ladigesi
An active, schooling fish native to the karst (limestone) streams of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known for their striking neon blue lateral stripes and yellowish fins. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are highly sensitive to soft, acidic conditions. A peaceful species that requires plenty of open swimming space.
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia lacustris
A stunning, deep-bodied rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. Famous for their ability to shift colors from deep teal to bright iridescent blue depending on mood and water quality. They are active schooling fish that thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
An incredibly popular and active schooling fish endemic to the Ajamaru Lakes in West Papua, Indonesia (currently listed as Endangered in the wild by the IUCN due to overfishing and habitat loss, though commercially captive-bred). Famous for the mature male's spectacular blue and orange split-coloration. They require long tanks for active swimming, excellent oxygenation, and warm, hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Iriatherina werneri
A delicate and exquisitely shaped nano rainbowfish native to New Guinea and Northern Australia. They are famous for the males' long, filamentous fins and butterfly-like display behavior. Due to their incredibly small throats, they require micro-foods. They are shoaling fish that are easily intimidated by boisterous tank mates.
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
A popular, active freshwater 'shark' (actually a cyprinid) known for its striking red fins contrasting with a dark or albino body. They are highly territorial bottom-dwellers. Only keep one per tank, as they are notoriously aggressive toward their own kind, other 'sharks' (like the Red Tail Shark), and similar-looking bottom feeders.
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
A highly active, stunning schooling fish known for the brilliant red lateral stripe running across the males. Originating from central Myanmar, they thrive in slightly cooler, sub-tropical water compared to typical tropical fish. They are robust and peaceful when kept in proper shoals, but may nip fins if stressed or kept in numbers too small.