The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a striking freshwater fish native to West Papua, Indonesia. It features a vibrant orange-red body, making it a visually stunning centerpiece in large community aquariums. Peaceful and active, it thrives in schools.
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The Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a striking freshwater fish native to West Papua, Indonesia. It features a vibrant orange-red body, making it a visually stunning centerpiece in large community aquariums. Peaceful and active, it thrives in schools.
Vibrant red-orange body with iridescent scales. Laterally compressed, streamlined body with forked tail. Males are more intensely colored and slightly larger; females are paler and smaller. Transparent or slightly orange-tinted fins.
5–8 years with proper care
Omnivorous; feeds on high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Supplement with live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini help maintain health and color vibrancy.
Red Rainbowfish are perfect for aquarists looking for a vibrant, peaceful, and schooling centerpiece fish. Their bright coloration and active behavior make them a standout in medium to large aquariums.
Intermediate – requires stable water, schooling, and proper nutrition.
55+ gallons (for small school)
7.0 to 8.0
8–15 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
6 inches
Tetras, danios, rasboras, peaceful barbs, gouramis, other rainbowfish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Aggressive or fin-nipping species, very small fish that may be stressed by active schooling behavior.
Glossolepis incisus
Melanotaeniidae
West Papua, Indonesia – shallow lakes and calm rivers.
Highly social; best kept in schools of 6 or more. Peaceful and compatible with other medium-sized community fish.
Feed 2–3 times daily with flakes, pellets, and frozen/live foods. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables for optimal health and coloration.
Egg-scatterer; deposits eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not guard eggs. Condition male and female with protein-rich foods before spawning. Fry feed on infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.
pH: 7.0–8.0, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 8–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Sensitive to poor water quality; prone to stress, ich, and bacterial infections. Maintain regular water changes and high-quality diet.
Peaceful, schooling fish. Best kept in groups of at least 6 to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. Active swimmer that occupies mid-levels of the tank.
Native to Lake Sentani in West Papua, Indonesia, Red Rainbowfish inhabit shallow lakes and calm rivers. Adults grow up to 6 inches and require a minimum tank size of 55 gallons for a small school. Open swimming space, moderate planting, and stable water parameters are essential for vibrant coloration and healthy growth. These fish are ideal for intermediate aquarists seeking a colorful and peaceful schooling species.