Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Red Irian Rainbowfish - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Red Irian Rainbowfish at a glance
Adult size: 5 inches · Min tank/pond: 55 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 5-8 years.
Red Irian Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Red Irian Rainbowfish comes from
Red Irian Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Red Irian Rainbowfish tank size and setup
Red Irian Rainbowfish requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Red Irian Rainbowfish
Red Irian Rainbowfish prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Red Irian Rainbowfish eats
Red Irian Rainbowfish is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Red Irian Rainbowfish tankmates and compatibility
Red Irian Rainbowfish works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Red Irian Rainbowfish adult size and lifespan
Red Irian Rainbowfish reaches 5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-8 years with proper care.
Can you breed Red Irian Rainbowfish?
Red Irian Rainbowfish can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Red Irian Rainbowfish diseases and problems
Red Irian Rainbowfish is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Red Irian Rainbowfish for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Red Irian Rainbowfish online
Red Irian Rainbowfish is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Red Irian Rainbowfish from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Red Irian Rainbowfish taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.