Red Rainbow 5cm

Red Rainbow

The red rainbow is arguably the most popular species of all rainbow fish. It is incredibly common, has naturally stunning colouration, and is an incredibly easy fish to care for. These beautiful fish are naturally found in Indonesia at lake Sentai in the Iran Jaya region. These are an ideal species to add to a community aquarium and are commonly kept in rainbow fish-only aquariums which highlights their constantly vibrant colouration. 

Reaching around 12 cm these red rainbows can get fairly large when compared to most community aquarium fish. They are also incredibly active and will add a tonne of activity in the aquarium As their name suggests the red rainbow blood-red body colour from head to tail which is quite uncommon in the aquarium hobby. Though this vibrant red is deeper in males compared to females, the females also look great. To add some variation to the solid colouration the red rainbow fish also have tin foil-like silvery scales that are peppered across the fish from head-tail. When kept against plants these fish are instantly eye-catching and look phenomenal in a school. 

Red rainbow can be bred in the home aquarium quite commonly as once they reach maturity, females lay eggs on an almost daily basis. Males tend to be far redder whereas females are a wine colour with slightly less silvery scales. Aquarists often make spawning mops out of acrylic yarn and place these into the aquarium, the females will swim through the yard and lay a few eggs which the male will then fertilize. 

Tank Recommendations for your Red Rainbow

As the red rainbow fish do reach around 12 cm but more importantly are incredibly active it is best to keep them in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 181 liters. This ensures that they can be kept in a school and have ample swimming space as well.  

The red rainbow is totally planted safe and will not only love but also look great in a well-planted aquarium. They are mostly mid to top water-dwelling fish so the choice of substrate and aquarium hardscape is not a major concern. They are however excellent jumpers so a tight-fitting lid is a must for the aquarium. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The red rainbow fish is incredibly peaceful but due to their speed, they may potentially outcompete slow or bottom-dwelling tank mates. They can however be kept in a wide range of community aquarium settings and with other rainbow fish strains.

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 rainbow or an incredibly small species such as shrimp which may be eaten by the rainbow fish 

Feeding your Red Rainbow

Red rainbow fish will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet 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 or micro worms. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great as this will really enhance the reds.