One of the most popular Rainbowfish, the Red Irian or Red Rainbow has brightly colored males and silvery females. A male fish, without a female present, may become duller in color. Rainbowfish are known for their characteristic large eyes, black or silver band that runs through the middle scale rows, deeply forked mouth, and two dorsal fins.
This schooling fish should be housed in a planted aquarium, but not too densely planted that there is insufficient free-swimming space as these are active fish. The Red Iran Rainbow requires a gravel substrate and you may find that their colors intensify with a dark colored gravel.
An egg layer, Glossolepis incisus spawns throughout a number of days over moss. The adults should be removed after spawning and the eggs should be raised and hatched separately. The fry should be fed very small live foods.
Although Red Irian Rainbows have large mouths, their throats tend to be narrow; small foods should be fed. An omnivorous diet of prepared foods and plenty of live foods are best for the Red Iran Rainbow.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1 1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"
Care details
- Temperature: 72 - 77° F
- dKH: 9 - 19
- Color: Red
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Diet: Omnivore
