Red Rainbowfish

Glossolepis incisa

Red Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Red Rainbowfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 10–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–29 °C, pH 7–8, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Boesemans Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Rainbowfish get?

Red Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Red Rainbowfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Red Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 24 to 29 °C.

Should Red Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Red Rainbowfish: Keep in a loose group of 6+.