30x Incisus Rainbow 4-5cm

30x Incisus Rainbow

The Incisus rainbow, also known as the Red Rainbowfish, is one of the most striking naturally occurring rainbowfish in the hobby, and with a group of 30, you're in for a show-stopping display that turns your tank into a living canvas of colour. Native to the clear, warm waters of Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia, this species has the kind of radiant red rarely found outside of selectively bred strains, and it's all natural.

As juveniles, Incisus Rainbows are a muted silver or bronze and may go underappreciated. But once mature, the males transform into a deep, fiery crimson, often glowing under aquarium lighting. The bodies are slightly compressed and wide-bodied, with tall dorsal and anal fins that give them an elegant presence. Females retain a more subtle bronze-silver tone, helping them stand out beautifully in contrast. These are big rainbow fish, reaching up to 15 cm, and in a school of 30, they'll become the centrepiece of any large freshwater system.

Breeding red rainbows in the home aquarium is relatively straightforward. Once mature, females will lay eggs almost daily, which males will then fertilise. The use of spawning mops or fine-leafed plants is common, allowing aquarists to easily collect the adhesive eggs. Males tend to exhibit more vibrant colouration, especially during courtship displays, while females appear more subdued with a lighter blue. Although raising fry requires a commitment to frequent feeding with fine live foods, it's a rewarding challenge for aquarists looking to expand their breeding experience.

Tank Recommendations for your 30 x Incisus Rainbow

As the red rainbowfish can reach up to 15 cm and are incredibly active swimmers, it is best to keep a school of them in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 400 litres. This will comfortably house all 30 fish and leave room for additional tank mates.

They are plant-safe and will thrive in a well-planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. As they are primarily mid to top water dwellers, the choice of substrate is not critical, but sand or fine gravel is ideal for aesthetic purposes. They are also excellent jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Being a tropical species, they are best kept at a temperature of 24-28 degrees Celsius.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The red rainbowfish is incredibly peaceful, but due to their speed and active nature, they may outcompete slower or bottom-dwelling tank mates during feeding. They can, however, be kept in a wide range of community aquarium settings and with other rainbowfish species.

Usually Compatible

Other rainbow fish species, a range of tetra species such as lemon tetras, black widow tetras, and Congo tetras, along with danio species as well.

Sometimes Compatible

Corydoras, Apistogramma, angelfish, and other smaller or potentially slow-moving species.

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive species which may prey on the red rainbowfish. Any incredibly small species, such as shrimp, should be avoided as they may be eaten by the rainbow fish.

Feeding your 30 x Incisus Rainbow

Red rainbowfish will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be a good quality floating food, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great, as this will really enhance the stunning red.