Glossolepis incisus Salmon Red Rainbowfish

Description

Glossolepis incisus

A breathtaking large rainbowfish renowned for its brilliant metallic crimson body, shimmering scales, and active schooling behaviour that becomes even more spectacular with maturity.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Glossolepis incisus
  • Common name: Red Rainbowfish
  • Adult size: 12–15 cm
  • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a stunning centrepiece schooling fish.
  • You have a large planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy active, constantly moving fish.
  • You appreciate rainbowfish that improve with age.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
  • You keep aggressive cichlids or predatory fish.
  • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
  • You don't have plenty of open swimming space.

Why choose Glossolepis incisus?

The Red Rainbowfish is one of the true jewels of the rainbowfish family. Mature males develop an extraordinary metallic crimson body that seems to glow under aquarium lighting, while females display attractive silver and gold tones that beautifully complement the males.

As they mature, males become deeper-bodied and display constantly to one another by intensifying their colours and extending their fins. These displays are peaceful and provide endless movement throughout the aquarium.

Their combination of size, colour and personality makes them one of the finest feature fish for larger freshwater community aquariums.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping too few individuals.
  • Housing them in aquariums that are too small.
  • Providing insufficient swimming space.
  • Feeding a poor-quality diet.
  • Allowing nitrate levels to remain elevated.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods and insects
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Large planted aquarium with open swimming areas and a secure-fitting lid

Pairs perfectly with

  • Boesemani Rainbowfish
  • Madagascar Rainbowfish
  • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
  • Congo Tetras
  • Large Corydoras species
NTA Insight:
Young Red Rainbowfish can look surprisingly plain compared to mature adults. Don't judge them too early. With good nutrition, regular water changes and a spacious aquarium, males gradually develop one of the richest metallic red colourations of any freshwater fish. A mature school is simply breathtaking.

FAQ

How many Red Rainbowfish should I keep?

Keep them in groups of at least six. Schools of 8–12 or more display the best colours, social behaviour and confidence.

Are they aggressive?

No. Red Rainbowfish are peaceful community fish. Males may display and spar with each other, but this behaviour is generally harmless.

Can they live with shrimp?

Due to their larger adult size, they may eat small shrimp and shrimplets. They are better suited to community aquariums with medium to large fish.

Can they breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They scatter adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The eggs can be removed and raised separately for the best success.

Why aren't my young fish bright red yet?

Juveniles and females are naturally less colourful than mature males. As males age and receive excellent nutrition, clean water and enough space, they gradually develop their famous metallic crimson colouration.

Glossolepis incisus Salmon Red Rainbowfish

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Out of stock,  

$25.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Glossolepis incisus

    A breathtaking large rainbowfish renowned for its brilliant metallic crimson body, shimmering scales, and active schooling behaviour that becomes even more spectacular with maturity.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Glossolepis incisus
    • Common name: Red Rainbowfish
    • Adult size: 12–15 cm
    • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a stunning centrepiece schooling fish.
    • You have a large planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy active, constantly moving fish.
    • You appreciate rainbowfish that improve with age.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
    • You keep aggressive cichlids or predatory fish.
    • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
    • You don't have plenty of open swimming space.

    Why choose Glossolepis incisus?

    The Red Rainbowfish is one of the true jewels of the rainbowfish family. Mature males develop an extraordinary metallic crimson body that seems to glow under aquarium lighting, while females display attractive silver and gold tones that beautifully complement the males.

    As they mature, males become deeper-bodied and display constantly to one another by intensifying their colours and extending their fins. These displays are peaceful and provide endless movement throughout the aquarium.

    Their combination of size, colour and personality makes them one of the finest feature fish for larger freshwater community aquariums.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping too few individuals.
    • Housing them in aquariums that are too small.
    • Providing insufficient swimming space.
    • Feeding a poor-quality diet.
    • Allowing nitrate levels to remain elevated.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–8.0
    • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods and insects
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Large planted aquarium with open swimming areas and a secure-fitting lid

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Boesemani Rainbowfish
    • Madagascar Rainbowfish
    • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
    • Congo Tetras
    • Large Corydoras species
    NTA Insight:
    Young Red Rainbowfish can look surprisingly plain compared to mature adults. Don't judge them too early. With good nutrition, regular water changes and a spacious aquarium, males gradually develop one of the richest metallic red colourations of any freshwater fish. A mature school is simply breathtaking.

    FAQ

    How many Red Rainbowfish should I keep?

    Keep them in groups of at least six. Schools of 8–12 or more display the best colours, social behaviour and confidence.

    Are they aggressive?

    No. Red Rainbowfish are peaceful community fish. Males may display and spar with each other, but this behaviour is generally harmless.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Due to their larger adult size, they may eat small shrimp and shrimplets. They are better suited to community aquariums with medium to large fish.

    Can they breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They scatter adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The eggs can be removed and raised separately for the best success.

    Why aren't my young fish bright red yet?

    Juveniles and females are naturally less colourful than mature males. As males age and receive excellent nutrition, clean water and enough space, they gradually develop their famous metallic crimson colouration.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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