Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Glossolepis incisus
Common name
Red rainbowfish
Salmon-red rainbowfish
Origin
Origin: Papua New Guinea
Biotope: Australia/New Guinea
Dimorphism
Males have a particular shape (the back is high while the head is small and thin). They are red while the female is more yellowish.
Group
Melanoteniidae
Volume
300 L / 66 imp gal / 79 US gal
Parameters
T°: 21 to 25°C or 70 to 87°F
pH: 7 to 8
Hardness: 10 to 25°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
12 to 15cm (4.7 to 5.9")
Longevity
4 to 6 years
Living zone
Middle and top
Individuals
6
Food
How to feed the Red rainbowfish?
Food
How to feed the Red rainbowfish?
This omnivorous fish is not very difficult to feed: it accepts all forms of food! Thus, fresh, frozen or freeze-dried food will be eaten without any fuss. However, note its preference for larvae and small insects. Vary its meals as much as possible to maintain good health and maximum coloration.
Rainbow fish do not feed at the bottom of the aquarium. Floating food should therefore be offered.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Red rainbowfish have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Red rainbowfish have?
The Glossolepis is gregarious in nature and must therefore be kept in groups of at least 6 specimens, all in a container of at least 300 litres. Generally speaking, it is a fairly active fish that likes to swim, especially in the upper half of the aquarium. It will therefore need quite a bit of space in this area to exercise. Sometimes it can be shy, especially in the presence of unruly roommates.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Red rainbowfish?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Red rainbowfish?
Very peaceful, this rainbow fish never attacks the other occupants of your aquarium. The restrictions in terms of cohabitation will reside in the calm temperament of the Glossolepis: it can quickly become intimidated and frightened by fish that are too nervous, aggressive or territorial. To avoid this, simply associate them with calm and quiet species. For example, you can put them with other rainbow fish such as Melanotaenia trifasciata or Melanotaenia praecox (in this case, be careful with the volume of your aquarium!).
Breeding
How to breed the Red rainbowfish?
Breeding
How to breed the Red rainbowfish?
The reproduction of this species by amateur aquarists is quite difficult.
In order to maximize the survival rate of the fry, set up another 150/200 litre aquarium (33/44 imp Gal or 40/53 US Gal). The water should be at a temperature of 24°C (75°F) and a pH of 7/7.5. Install a lot of vegetation forming dense clumps of greenery. Complete the arrangement with obstacles that protect areas of the aquarium (e.g. nylon nets) while leaving enough room for swimming. This will protect the eggs from the voracity of the parents.
Spawning takes place in schools, with slightly more females than males. Introduce the fish you have selected into the spawning aquarium. This species is not very prolific since each clutch contains an average of 70 eggs. These measure about 1.3 and will incubate for 7 days.
Before falling to the bottom of the tank, the eggs float for a certain time and are then in danger of cannibalism from their spawners. Hence the obstacles mentioned above which should shelter part of the brood.
Let the broodstock lay for a week in the rearing aquarium before transferring them home.
The first fry swim freely after 10 days. Their rearing is rather difficult and their growth is slow. They will be sexually mature at 1 year of age.
Feeding of the fry: rotifers, infusoriae and then nauplia of artemia.
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Red rainbowfish?
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Red rainbowfish?
As an excellent swimmer, this fish needs space first of all. A minimum of 300 litres (66 Imp Gal / 79 US Gal) is recommended for a group of 6 individuals.
In terms of decoration, it is not very demanding. It just needs lush vegetation while leaving enough room to swim properly! To achieve this result, opt for a U-shaped arrangement of your plants (plant on the sides and at the bottom of your tank). When choosing plants, those with long leaves seem to be particularly appreciated, as well as floating plants which are indispensable. Complete with one or more roots. As for the choice of soil, it is not critical, but be aware that a dark soil will bring out the colours of your rainbow fishes, which will be highlighted in this way.
In order to maintain good water quality, set up a good filtration system and change the water regularly.
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
The colours of this fish vary according to its mood: the happier and more serene it is, the brighter and more pronounced its colours will be. On the other hand, if it is stressed, its colours will become dull, as if they are being devalued.
The male only takes its particular shape after 2 to 3 years of growth.
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