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.
Red Rainbowfish At a Glance
Red Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Red Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Red Rainbowfish Water Parameters
Water care products
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Red Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Red Rainbowfish 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
Red 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.
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.
Red Rainbowfish 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, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
Feeding products
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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.
Top Tank Mates for Red Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Red Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Mottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Red Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Red 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 Red Rainbowfish
Sepik Rainbowfish
Glossolepis multisquamata
The Sepik Rainbowfish, also known as the Rosy Rainbowfish, is a vibrant schooling fish native to the floodplains, swampy lagoons, and slow-moving rivers of New Guinea. They are highly active swimmers that display stunning metallic and red coloration. They thrive in densely planted aquariums with ample open swimming space and require a group to feel secure and display their best colors.
Exquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
A highly active, schooling species native to the fast-flowing, clear streams of Australia's Northern Territory. True to their name, they display stunning metallic bodies with bright red-tipped fins. They require pristine, well-oxygenated water, plenty of horizontal swimming space, and should always be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Eastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
An active, schooling species native to Australia, highly variable in color depending on the catch location. They are fast swimmers that require long tanks with ample open swimming space. Because of their energetic feeding behavior, they can outcompete shy or slow-moving fish. Best kept in shoals to display natural morning sparring and courtship behaviors.
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia kamaka
Endemic to the karst Lake Kamakawai in West Papua, this is a spectacular and distinctively deep-bodied rainbowfish. As they mature, males develop a robust chest and an intense silvery-blue to purplish sheen. Like all rainbowfish, they are highly active, schooling fish that require spacious tanks with plenty of horizontal swimming room and alkaline, hard water parameters.
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia irianjaya
A beautiful, highly active shoaling fish native to the rainforest streams of West Papua, Indonesia. Known for their striking mauve bodies, bold blue lateral bands, and red fins with white margins. They are fast, robust swimmers that require plenty of open horizontal space and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping. While peaceful, their voracious eating habits and speed can easily outcompete shy or slow-moving tank mates.
Blue Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia caerulea
A small, highly active, and colorful schooling fish native to the Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. They are peaceful but require ample swimming space and a school of their own kind to thrive. Like most rainbowfish, they appreciate well-oxygenated, flowing water and are excellent jumpers. Males develop a striking blue hue with reddish horizontal stripes.