Red Rainbowfish — a Melanotaeniidae from New Guinea, calm, active shoaler; colour deepens with age. Reaches 9–13.2 cm; schools in the open water; never keep below 6. 29–30 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
29–30 °C
pH
7.6–8.2
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
9–13.2 cm
Minimum tank
209 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm, active shoaler; colour deepens with age
Origin
New Guinea
Species overview
From the waters of New Guinea comes Glossolepis incisus, a member of the family Melanotaeniidae. A schooling fish of open, sunlit water whose colours arrive with maturity, not in the shop tank. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 9–13.2 cm. Schools in the open water; never keep below 6. Long tank, big group, steady water changes — colour follows within months. Maintain 29–30 °C at pH 7.6–8.2. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Schools in the open water; never keep below 6
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; colour foods enhance the shine
Recommended tankmates
Other rainbowfish and large peaceful tetras — Share the open mid-water
Avoid keeping with
Boisterous cichlids — Stress and fin damage
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; daily spawning in condition