Red Rainbowfish: A Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus), also known as the Salmon Red Rainbowfish, is a striking freshwater species renowned for its brilliant red coloration, torpedo-shaped body, and active schooling behavior. Native to Papua New Guinea, this species is a favorite among aquarists due to its vibrancy and peaceful nature, making it an excellent choice for large community tanks.

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Glossolepis incisus
• Common Name: Red Rainbowfish, Salmon Red Rainbowfish
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Natural Habitat: Found in Lake Sentani, Papua New Guinea, in clear, slow-moving freshwater environments.
• Behavior: Peaceful, active schooling fish; best kept in groups of six or more.
• Tank Preferences: Prefers open swimming areas with plants along the edges.
• Ideal Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.5 – 8.0
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (8-15 dGH)
  • Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
• Care Level: Moderate

Origin and Distribution

The Red Rainbowfish is endemic to Lake Sentani, Papua New Guinea, where it thrives in clear, oxygen-rich waters. Due to habitat degradation, wild populations are under pressure, making captive breeding essential to maintaining the species in the aquarium trade.

Colors and Markings

• Males: Develop an intense, deep red body color with an iridescent sheen.
• Females: More subdued in color, with silver or pale red tones.
• Fins: Semi-transparent with a slight orange or red tint.
• Juveniles: Start off with muted coloration and develop their red hues as they mature.

Tankmates

• Best Companions:
  • Other Rainbowfish species (Boesemani, Celebes, or Australian Rainbowfish).
  • Peaceful tetra species such as Rummy Nose Tetras and Cardinal Tetras.
  • Bottom dwellers like Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus.
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs.
  • Slow-moving fish that may get outcompeted for food.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons, but larger tanks (55+ gallons) are preferred for active swimming.
• Filtration: Strong biological filtration with moderate to high water flow.
• Water Changes: 25-30% weekly to maintain stable water quality.
• Lighting: Moderate to high; enhances their natural red coloration.
• Substrate & Plants:
  • Dark sand or fine gravel helps accentuate their color.
  • Live plants like Vallisneria, Java Fern, and Amazon Sword create a natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Food Recommendations:
  • High-quality flake or pellet food rich in carotenoids to enhance red coloration.
  • Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia).
  • Vegetable-based food (spirulina flakes, blanched spinach).
• Feeding Frequency: Twice a day in small portions.

Gender Differences

• Males: Larger, deeper red coloration, and more elongated dorsal and anal fins.
• Females: Smaller, less vibrant coloration, and a rounder body shape.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Breeding Requirements:
  • Use spawning mops or dense plants like Java Moss for egg-laying.
  • Maintain a slightly warmer temperature (26-27°C) to encourage spawning.
• Egg Laying & Hatching:
  • Females scatter small adhesive eggs on plants.
  • Eggs hatch in 7-10 days, and fry require infusoria or baby brine shrimp as their first food.
• Fry Care:
  • Keep fry in a separate nursery tank for optimal survival.
  • Provide gentle filtration and stable water conditions.

Additional Resources

If you enjoy Red Rainbowfish, you may also be interested in:

• Boesemani Rainbowfish – A stunning blue and yellow rainbowfish species.
• Celebes Rainbowfish – A smaller species with iridescent blue hues.
• Australian Rainbowfish – A hardy species with a mix of red, orange, and silver tones.

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