Contents

Fish

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina

Glossolepis




Melanotaenia











M. splendida








M. trifasciata

Glossolepis incisus 'Red Irian Rainbow'

   Glossolepis incisus, the Red Irian Rainbow, is a lake dwelling rainbowfish from northern New Guinea (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish). We acquired this species from a commercial source in 1995.

Size: Males and females reach 15cm (6 in.).

Description: Males sport a red body and fins with silvery flecks. Courting males are red to tomato red. Females are a pleasing golden-tan color with golden flecks and remain slimmer than the males. Like other rainbows, this species is long-lived (5+ years). The top photo is of a male in non-courting colors. The bottom photo is a young female.

Environment: This species tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).

Geographic Range: A limited area of northern New Guinea. According to Dr. Gerald R. Allen this fish is found only in Lake Sentani and its tributaries.

Temperament: This species is not aggressive (except that adult males can be aggressive toward each other) and is an active swimmer. It can be kept either in a large single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with other rainbowfish or other fish with similar behavior.

Feeding: Feeding is simple with the fish taking prepared foods as well as live and frozen foods. Periodic feedings of Daphnia or other live foods are helpful in color maintenance, general health and breeding.

Spawning: This rainbowfish spawns like other rainbowfish, laying eggs daily in fine leaved plants or plant roots (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish breeding). Males are very hard drivers, often courting the females so persistently as to damage the females. Therefore, the author recommends a minimum of 3 females per male. This species is also an avid egg-eater. Eggs should be removed shortly after they spawn, usually in the early morning within 2-3 hours of dawn. The eggs hatch in about 12 days and the fry can take microworms, vinegar eels or infusoria immediately. Growth is rapid but slower than that of other rainbowfish. Sexual maturity is reached in about 6 months.

Additional Information and Photos: For more information about and additional photos of this species, click on one of the following links:
   http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Glossolepis.htm

Page last modified June 6, 2007.

Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, LP