Rainbowfish

Red Irian Rainbowfish grows to 6" Glossolepis incisus Also called the Salmon Red Rainbowfish because of its color. A beautiful red fish. Dominant male displays a magnificent red, other males are reddish brown. Females are silvery with some yellow. A peaceful schooling fish, Adults should have a tank of 70 gal. or more.
Australian Rainbowfish (Splendid Rainbowfish) grows to 3.5" Melanotaenia splendida. Active and hardy. Fits in a wide variety of community tanks. Male is more colorful. If you keep a group of these fish you can often mix them with bigger fish. Tank size should be 55 gallon or more There are 5 subspecies of this species.

Rainbowfish are indigenous to Africa, Australia, and other South Asian Islands. They inhabit streams, creeks, lakes, and brackish waters. Rainbowfish are normally very active fish, and are often very hardy. They fit well in many community tanks. Many new species of Rainbowfish have been imported recently. The popularity of Rainbowfish has increased greatly over the past 5 years and Elmer's generally maintains several tanks of these fish.

Feeding: Most are omnivorous. They will accept numerous foods including flakes, freeze-dried foods, frozen and live brine shrimp and bloodworms. We like to feed Tetra Color Bits to maintain good color. We also use HBH Rainbow Color Food. Feed twice a day.

Water Conditions: Depending on the species, pH requirements can vary from 6.5 to 8.0 and temperatures should be maintained between 72-82 °F. Some species do best with some salt in the water. (about 1 tablespoon per 5 gallon.). Good filtration and regular partial water changes are important.

Housing: Include live or plastic plants toward the back with an open swimming area in the front. They do not harm live plants. Most require tanks of at least 30 gallons. They look best with a dark background. They swim in the middle and upper water layers. They are lively and do not hide.

How Many to buy? Most are schooling fish and look best in groups of 5 or more.

Tankmates: One way to keep them is to maintain a species tank of rainbowfish only. In a species tank they will often show their best color and behavior. Try 3 or 4 different species with 6 of each type. Rainbowfish also mix well in many community tanks. Keep them with other active fish of similar size. Good tank mates may include mollies, swordtails, gouramis, sharks rasboras, corydorase cats, and barbs. They often do well with peaceful Cichlids (such as Kribensis, and Geophagus Jurapari)

Males and Females: In most cases the males are more colorful. Best kept in groups with mixed sexes.