Red Irian Rainbowfish

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingRoutine tank care

  Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment5–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Skin conditions

The Red Irian or Salmon-Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is endemic to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia, and reaches about 10 to 12 cm. The sexes look entirely different: dominant males turn brilliant red and develop a pronounced arched back, while females stay olive-silver and slimmer. Males only reach full colour at around two years old, so patience is part of keeping them. Give a group of six or more, ideally with two or three males, a tank of 250 litres or more at 22-27C with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0 and medium to hard water. Swimming length matters more than height, and a tight lid is important. Feed a varied diet of quality flake, colour-enhancing pellets, and live or frozen daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp; colour depends directly on diet quality. It is hardy and peaceful with similarly sized fish, but it is boisterous and fast, so it is a poor tankmate for shy species or long-finned fish that struggle to compete at feeding time.

• How active is a Red Irian Rainbowfish?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Red Irian Rainbowfish need?

  Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• What tank size does a Red Irian Rainbowfish need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Red Irian Rainbowfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Red Irian Rainbowfish live?

  5–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Red Irian Rainbowfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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