What size tank do red rainbowfish need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a group of 6. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 75 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Glossolepis incisus.
How many red rainbowfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if red rainbowfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many red rainbowfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | Too small |
| 75 gallon | 6 |
| 125 gallon | up to 9 |
Check red rainbowfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, red rainbowfish hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for red rainbowfish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Hoplo catfish
- Pearl gourami
- Moonlight gourami
- Rainbow cichlid
- Striped Raphael catfish
- Polka-dot loach
- Sterba's corydoras
- Clown pleco
Poor matches
- Neon tetra: Red rainbowfish (about 6 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as red rainbowfish.
Questions and answers
What size tank do red rainbowfish need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a group of 6. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 75 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many red rainbowfish should be kept together?
At least 6. Red rainbowfish are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can red rainbowfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Red rainbowfish needs at least 40 gallons (150 liters), and grows to 6 in (15 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do red rainbowfish need?
75–84 °F (24–29 °C), with a pH of 7–8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can red rainbowfish live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 40 gallons (150 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.