RAINBOWFISH SALMON RED 5CM

Salmon Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) — also called Red Rainbowfish or Irian Red Rainbowfish — is a striking, active New Guinea rainbowfish prized for the males’ intense salmon-red to copper colouration. They school around heavily vegetated shallows. Captive-bred fish adapt well to aquarium conditions, though wild fish often show richer colour.

TANK SET UP: They need horizontal space more than height. Open central swimming lanes + dense planting along sides and back (Vallisneria, Amazon swords, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, fine-leaved plants). Dark substrate enhances red colour—driftwood or rocks for structure.

Tight-fitting lid (they jump).

NOTE: They do poorly in soft, acidic water.

TANK MATE: Peaceful when kept in proper groups.

• Best kept with other similarly sized rainbowfish, medium danios, peaceful barbs, larger tetras/rasboras, Corydoras, loaches, and other robust community fish of similar activity level.

• Avoid tiny/slow fish that get outcompeted, fin-nippers, or aggressive species. Keep in groups of at least 6–8 (preferably more, with more females than males for less stress and better colour displays). Solitary fish or small groups become skittish and in poor condition.

APPEARANCE & SEXING:

• Males: Develop a high, deep body with age and intense salmon-red/copper colouration (especially dominant males or at slightly cooler temperatures). Fins often reddish.

• Females: Slimmer, olive-yellow to silver-brown with less intense colour.

• Both sexes have gold/iridescent scales. Colour intensifies with good diet, clean water, and proper grouping. Subordinate males stay duller.

FILTRATION: Strong biological filtration with good oxygenation; moderate/gentle flow.

MAINTENANCE: Weekly 25–50% water changes. Keep nitrates low (<20–40 ppm). Stable parameters are critical — they are sensitive to poor water quality.

FEEDING: Varied diet = best colour and health.

• Staple: High-quality flakes, micro-pellets, or granules (colour-enhancing formulas helpful).

• Supplements: Frozen or live foods 2–3+ times per week — brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, mysis, mosquito larvae.

• Occasional vegetable matter (spirulina flakes) is beneficial.

• Feed 1–3 small meals daily.