Red Rainbow

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About Red Rainbowfish

The Red Rainbowfish is one of the most spectacular Australian rainbowfish, renowned for the brilliant red, orange and metallic colouration developed by mature males. Their shimmering scales and bold display make them an impressive feature fish for a larger freshwater aquarium.

Red Rainbowfish are active, peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in a group, preferably with more females than males. Males will often display to one another and to females, showing their strongest colours when settled and in good condition.

They are best suited to larger planted community aquariums with plenty of open swimming space, good filtration and stable water quality. A varied diet helps support their growth, health and vibrant colouration.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Glossolepis incisus
Common Name: Red Rainbowfish / Salmon Red Rainbowfish
Family: Melanotaeniidae
Type: Freshwater Fish / Rainbowfish
Adult Size: Approximately 12–15 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 200 L+
Temperature: Approximately 22–28°C
pH: Approximately 7.0–8.0
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater
Group Size: 6+ Recommended
Suitable For: Large Community and Planted Aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Red Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish, although their active nature means they are best housed with similarly sized and active tank mates.

How big do Red Rainbowfish get?

Mature fish can reach approximately 12–15 cm, with males generally being larger and considerably more colourful.

How many Red Rainbowfish should I keep?

Keep them in a group of 6 or more. A good balance of males and females allows natural social behaviour and displays.

What do Red Rainbowfish eat?

They are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods and live foods. Offering a varied diet helps maintain excellent condition and colour.

How do I get Red Rainbowfish to show their best colours?

Allow them to settle into a mature aquarium, maintain excellent water quality and provide a varied, nutritious diet. Mature males typically develop the strongest red colouration.

Are Red Rainbowfish suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. They look fantastic in planted aquariums, particularly with dense planting around the edges and open swimming space through the centre.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in a small group
Rainbowfish are social schooling fish and are much more confident in groups.

Using an undersized aquarium
These are large, active rainbowfish that require plenty of swimming space.

Keeping too many males
Multiple males can display and compete, so maintaining an appropriate sex ratio can help reduce unnecessary tension.

Providing insufficient swimming space
Avoid filling the entire aquarium with dense planting; leave open areas for active swimming.

Feeding only dry food
A varied diet incorporating frozen and live foods can help support growth and colouration.