Red Rainbowfish Best Care Guide: Look, Diet, Size (updated)2024

Red Rainbowfish is a beautiful and peaceful freshwater fish that is perfect for beginner aquarium hobbyists. They are relatively easy to care for and can live up to 8 years with proper care.

These fish are known for their bright red coloration, which can add color to any freshwater tank.

Red Rainbowfish are native to Lake Sentani in Indonesia, where they inhabit freshwater rivers and streams.

They are a member of the Melanotaeniidae family, which includes other popular aquarium fish, such as the Blue Rainbowfish and the Neon Tetra. In this article, you will learn the complete details of the care of Red Rainbowfish.

Species Summary

Scientific Name:	Glossolepis incisus
Common Names:	Red Rainbowfish, Crimson-Striped Rainbowfish
Adult Size:	Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Life Expectancy:	6-8 years
Temperament:	Peaceful
Care Level:	Easy
Color Form:	Red, with blue and green stripes on the body
Diet:	Omnivore
Family:	Melanotaeniidae
Minimum Tank Size:	30 gallons (114 liters)
Compatibility:	Peaceful community fish
Water Temperature:	70°F-79°F
Water pH Level:	6.5-8.5
Water Hardness:	8-25 dGH

Red Rainbowfish Appearance

Red Rainbowfish are known for their bright red coloration, which can add color to any freshwater tank. These fish are relatively easy to care for and can live up to 8 years in captivity and up to 10 years in the wild.

Red Rainbowfish is a brightly colored fish that is orange-red in coloration. The back and sides of the fish are a deep blue, while the belly is a pale yellow.

The fins are also brightly colored, with the dorsal and anal fins blue and the caudal and pectoral fins orange-red. It is a relatively small fish, growing to a maximum length of only 6 inches (15 cm).

This is a peaceful fish that does well in a community aquarium. It is an active swimmer and does best in an aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. Red Rainbowfish is an omnivorous fish that will eat various foods, including live food, frozen food, and flakes.

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Red Rainbowfish Size And Growth Rate

Red Rainbowfish is a relatively small fish, growing to a maximum length of only 6 inches (15 cm). These fish can grow more extensively in the wild but usually max out at 4 inches in captivity.

The growth rate is relatively fast, with these fish reaching their full size within 1-2 years.

Breeding And Reproduction

Red Rainbowfish are egg-layers that spawn in pairs. The female fish will lay many eggs, which the male fish will then fertilize. After the eggs are fertilized, the female will often eat them.

If you want to raise the fry (baby fish), you will need to remove the parents from the tank after spawning has occurred. The eggs will hatch within 10-14 days, and the fry will be ready to eat within 2-3 weeks.

The breeding compatibility of these fishes is with other peaceful and brightly colored fishes. These are relatively easy fish to breed and can lay up to 300 eggs per spawn. The fry (baby fish) will be ready to eat within 2-3 weeks.

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Gestation Period And Pregnancy Symptoms

The gestation period is 10-14 days. After the eggs are fertilized, the female will often eat them. If you want to raise the fry (baby fish), you will need to remove the parents from the tank after spawning has occurred.

A few symptoms can indicate that she is pregnant. These include an increased appetite, lethargy, and a change in coloration.

An increase in appetite is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms in Red Rainbowfish. If your fish is eating more than usual, she is likely pregnant. Lethargy is another common symptom.

She may be pregnant if your fish swims less than usual or hides more than usual. A change in coloration is another possible symptom. She may be pregnant if your fish’s colors are darker than usual.

The best time to breed is during the fall or spring. These fish do not breed well in the winter months.

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Red Rainbowfish Behavior & Temperament

Red Rainbowfish is a peaceful fish that does well in a community aquarium. These fish are active swimmers and do their best in an aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. They are not known to be fin nippers but may eat small fish or invertebrates.

These fish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 5 or more.

Care Guide

Here, we will discuss the following:

Red Rainbowfish Food & Diet

Red Rainbowfish is an omnivorous fish that will eat various foods, including live food, frozen food, and flakes. These fish feed on small crustaceans, insects, and larvae in the wild. In captivity, these fish should be fed various foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Live food, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, is an excellent source of nutrition. Frozen food, such as mysis shrimp and krill, is also a good option. In addition to live and frozen food, these fish should also be given high-quality flake or pellet food.

Feeding Frequency

Red Rainbowfish should be fed 2-3 times per day. These fish are known to be picky eaters, so it is essential only to give them as much food as they can eat in one sitting. Overfeeding can lead to health problems, such as obesity and organ damage.

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Diet Foods To Avoid

When feeding, it is essential to avoid foods high in fat, such as certain live foods and pellets. These foods can cause health problems, such as obesity and organ damage.

Tank Mates

Red Rainbowfish is a peaceful fish that works well with other peaceful and brightly colored fish. Some good tank mates include:

Tank Size

The minimum tank size is 30 gallons. These fish do best in a 50 to 60 gallons aquarium, as the extra space provides them with more places to play.

Tank Region

Red Rainbowfish is a school fish that should be kept in the middle or bottom region of the aquarium. They enjoy the central or bottom region because it provides plenty of hiding places.

Tank Decorations

Red Rainbowfish is an active swimmer and does best in an aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. They prefer an aquarium with dense vegetation, such as live plants, as it provides them with places to hide.

Heater

The water temperature for Red Rainbowfish should be kept between 70°F and 79°F. A heater is necessary to maintain these temperatures.

The suggested heaters are:

Tetra AquaSafe PLUS Heater
Fluval E Series Heater
Hydor ETH Inline External Aquarium Heater
Aqueon Preset Heater

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Filter

A filter is not required for Red Rainbowfish, but it is recommended. A filter will help to keep the water clean and clear. Red Rainbowfish does best in an aquarium with a filter for moderate filtration.

The suggested filters are:

AquaClear Power Filter
Fluval Canister Filter
Eheim Aquarium Canister Filter
Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter.

Lighting

Red Rainbowfish does best in an aquarium with moderate lighting. These fish do not need special lighting, but they prefer an aquarium that is not too bright.

The suggested lighting for Red Rainbowfish is:

Fluval Sea Marine and Reef LED 2.0 Aquarium Light
BEAMS WORK LED Freshwater Aquarium Kit
NICREW ClassicLED Gen 2 Aquarium Light
Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System

Placement

Red Rainbowfish do best in an aquarium placed in a location that is not too bright and warm. These fish prefer an aquarium set in an area where the temperature remains consistent.

Water changes

Red Rainbowfish does not require extraordinary water changes, but it is recommended that you change the water every 2 weeks. A water change of 10-15% is sufficient.

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Gravel Vacuuming

Red Rainbowfish does not require gravel vacuuming, but it is recommended that you vacuum the gravel every 2 weeks. This will help to keep the aquarium clean and clear.

Algae Control

Red Rainbowfish does not require algae control, but removing any algae that grow in the aquarium is recommended. Algae can be removed with an algae scraper or an algae magnet.

Substrate

Red Rainbowfish does not require a particular substrate, but it is recommended that you use a gravel or sand substrate. A gravel or sand substrate will help to keep the aquarium clean and clear.

Water pH level

The ideal pH level for Red Rainbowfish is 6.5 to 8.5.

Water Temperature And Water Hardness

The ideal water temperature for Red Rainbowfish is 70°F to 79°F. The ideal water hardness is 8 to 25 dGH.

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Cleaning The Tank

Red Rainbowfish does not require special cleaning, but it is recommended that you clean the tank every 2 weeks. A general cleaning of the aquarium will suffice.

Ammonia levels

Red Rainbowfish does not require exceptional ammonia levels, but it is recommended that you maintain the ammonia levels at 0 ppm. Higher ammonia levels can be harmful to Red Rainbowfish.

Oxygen Levels

Red Rainbowfish do not require exceptional oxygen levels, but it is recommended that you maintain them at 5 ppm. Higher oxygen levels help the fish breathe properly.

Nitrates And Nitrites Level

Red Rainbowfish does not require particular nitrate and nitrite levels, but it is recommended that you maintain the nitrate levels at 0 ppm and the nitrite levels at 0 ppm. Higher nitrate and nitrite levels can be harmful to Red Rainbowfish.

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Protein Skimmer

Red Rainbowfish does not require a protein skimmer, but it is recommended that you use one. A protein skimmer will help to keep the water clean and clear.

Suggested protein skimmers are:

AquaMAX PSK-200 Protein Skimmer
Tunze COMlineDOC Skimmer 9011
Fluval Sea CP3 Circulation Pump
AquaMAX PSK-1000 Protein Skimmer

What About Aquascaping?

Red Rainbowfish does not require special aquascaping, but it is recommended that you use live plants. Red Rainbowfish are not known to eat freshwater aquarium plants. Live plants help to keep the aquarium clean, and clean suggested live plants are –

Anacharis
Java Fern
Hornwort
Amazon Sword
Cryptocoryne

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Red Rainbowfish Potential Fish Diseases

Red Rainbowfish is susceptible to the following diseases:

Ich: Ich is a white spot disease caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The parasite attaches to the fish and causes the fish to develop white spots.

Symptoms of ich include White spots on the fish’s body, the fish scratching against objects in the aquarium, The fish rubbing against the gravel or sand, The fish breathing heavily, and the fish appearing lethargic.

Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare. The bacterium attacks the skin and fins of the fish and can cause the fish to develop ulcers.

Symptoms of columnaris include Ulcers on the fish’s body, the fish appearing lethargic, breathing heavily, and losing color.

Finrot: Finrot is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare. The bacterium attacks the skin and fins of the fish and can cause the fish to develop ulcers.

Symptoms of fin rot include Fins that are frayed or torn, Fins that are red or inflamed, The fish appearing lethargic, breathing heavily, and The fish losing color.

Aeromonas hydrophila: Aeromonas hydrophila is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila. The bacterium attacks the skin and fins of the fish and can cause the fish to develop ulcers.

Symptoms of Aeromonas hydrophila include Ulcers on the fish’s body, the fish appearing lethargic, breathing heavily, and losing color.

Septicaemia: Septicaemia is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare. The bacterium attacks the skin and fins of the fish and can cause the fish to develop ulcers.

Symptoms of septicemia include Ulcers on the fish’s body, the fish appearing lethargic, breathing heavily, and losing color.

Prevention

The best way to prevent Red Rainbowfish from getting sick is to quarantine new fish for 2 weeks before adding them to the main aquarium. This will allow you to observe the new fish and ensure they are not sick.

You should also regularly check the water parameters in the aquarium and maintain them at optimal levels.

Practicing good tank maintenance is the best way to prevent your Red Rainbowfish from getting sick. This means cleaning the tank regularly, doing water changes, and keeping the water parameters in check. You should also quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

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Treatment And Medications For Diseases

The best way to treat Red Rainbowfish is to remove the sick fish from the main aquarium and place it in a hospital tank. The hospital tank should have a temperature of 82°F and a pH of 7.0.

The hospital tank should also have a filter and an airstone. The water in the hospital tank should be changed daily. Once the fish has recovered, it can be placed back into the main aquarium.

The following medicines can be used:

Furan-2: Furan-2 is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Furan-2 is used to treat the following diseases – Aeromonas hydrophila and Septicaemia.
Kanamycin: Kanamycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Kanamycin is used to treat the following diseases – Finrot and Septicaemia.
Tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Tetracycline is used to treat the following diseases – Aeromonas hydrophila and Columnaris.
Nitrofurazone: Nitrofurazone is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Nitrofurazone treats the following diseases – Aeromonas hydrophila, Columnaris, Finrot, and Septicaemia.
Metronidazole: Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Metronidazole treats the following diseases – Aeromonas hydrophila, Columnaris, Finrot, and Septicaemia.

Red Rainbowfish is a beautiful and popular freshwater aquarium fish. They are peaceful and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. However, like all fish, they are susceptible to diseases. With proper treatment and medicine, the fish can be cured.

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Advantages Of Having Red Rainbowfish In Your Tank

Peaceful: Red Rainbowfish is peaceful and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
Easy To Care For: Red Rainbowfish is easy to care for and does not require special attention.
Bright colors: Red Rainbowfish is beautiful with bright colors.
Active: Red Rainbowfish is an active fish that will swim around the aquarium.
Easy to breed: Red Rainbowfish is easy to produce and can reproduce in captivity.
Long life span: Red Rainbowfish have a long life span and can live up to 8 years in captivity.
Hardy: Red Rainbowfish is a hardy fish that can tolerate changes in water parameters.
Omnivore: Red Rainbowfish is an omnivore and will eat both plants and animals.
Good beginner fish: Red Rainbowfish is a good beginner fish because it is easy to care for and peaceful.
Easy to find: Red Rainbowfish is easy to find in pet stores and online.

Disadvantages Of Having Red Rainbowfish In Your Tank

Susceptible to diseases: Red Rainbowfish is vulnerable to infections and can get sick quickly.
Requires a heated aquarium: Red Rainbowfish requires a heated aquarium, and the water must be maintained at 70°F to 79°F.
Requires a pH: Red Rainbowfish involves a pH of 6.5-8.5 to stay healthy.
Maybe aggressive towards other fish: Red Rainbowfish may be aggressive towards other fish.
May eat smaller fish: Red Rainbowfish may eat smaller fish if they are not well-fed.
May nibble on plants: Red Rainbowfish may nibble on plants if they are not well-fed.
Requires at least 30 gallons of water: Red Rainbowfish requires at least 30 gallons to stay healthy.

Conclusion

With proper treatment and medicine, the fish can be cured. Red Rainbowfish is a good beginner fish because it is easy to care for and peaceful. With proper care, you can keep your fish alive and healthy for a long span of time.

Thanks for reading!