Breeding Rainbowfish (Glossolepis Incisus) In The Aquarium

Rainbowfish, Red Rainbowfish, Salmon-red Rainbowfish

Distribution

This is a freshwater, endemic species that naturally inhabits Lake Sentani and its tributaries. It moves in schools, close to the shoreline, among areas heavily overgrown with vegetation, where there are plenty of fallen leaves and branches.

External Appearance

This fish is characterized by a high body shape, strongly laterally flattened. The colour of the male and female differ from each other and depend on the water temperature. The male is of a more intense red colour, with a metallic gloss. The female, on the other hand, is olive-silver coloured. She is also smaller than the male, more streamlined. This species has a double dorsal fin, a fairly wide anal fin, and a forked tail fin.

Disposition

This is a calm fish that moves majestically and actively in the water. It can be kept without problems in a community aquarium, with other species of similar temperament and size. It should be kept in small groups, a minimum of 6 individuals (equal ratio of males to females, the larger the group - the more females in relation to males). Then it is less shy, and males display splendid colours when competing for females. In the group, a hierarchy is formed among the fish, and the dominant male is most intensely coloured. The fish are fed with such amount of food that it is consumed within a few minutes. Note - frightened fish may jump out of the aquarium. The species is quite resistant and can be recommended for beginner aquarists.

Aquarium

This species prefers large tanks, longer than they are high, heavily overgrown with vegetation, with open spaces for free swimming and gentle filtration. Dark roots, sandy substrate and temperature at the lower end of the scale favour better colouration of the fish. Regular water changes (about 30%) and effective filtration are essential. The aquarium must be covered.

Reproduction

An oviparous fish. The spawning aquarium should have slightly hard water, a filter, pH=7.5, water temperature of 21-24˚C, clusters of soft-leaved plants (e.g. java moss), hiding places for the female (males during spawning are aggressive, constantly chasing the female). We feed the fish generously with live food in the general tank (we can separate females from males). A ready-to-spawn male and two females (females will have round bellies, the male will be more coloured than usual) are transferred to a prep-prepared aquarium. A slight increase in water temperature will stimulate the fish to spawn. Spawning lasts several days - eggs are laid daily in batches, with the most eggs laid on the first day and the least on the last. Eggs are laid on plant leaves. Parents do not usually eat eggs or fry, but it is advisable to catch them after spawning is over. Hatching occurs after 7-8 days. Fry are very sensitive to water quality.