Red rainbowfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red rainbowfish |
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The red rainbowfish or salmon-red rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisa) is a very colorful fish. It lives in Lake Sentani in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. This fish belongs to a group called Melanotaeniidae, which are also known as Australian rainbowfishes. Sadly, the red rainbowfish is endangered in its natural home. But it's easy to breed them in fish tanks. This makes them popular in the aquarium hobby.
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What Red Rainbowfish Look Like
Male red rainbowfish are a bright red color. As they get older, their backs grow taller. Female red rainbowfish are usually olive brown. Their colors can change depending on how they feel. However, males that are not in charge of the group often do not show bright colors. These fish can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long. But they are usually around 12 centimeters (about 5 inches).
How Red Rainbowfish Reproduce
Red rainbowfish lay their eggs by scattering them. They usually drop their eggs among plants in the water. The eggs take about 7 days to hatch into tiny fish.
What Do Red Rainbowfish Eat?
Glossolepis incisus is an omnivore. This means it eats both plants and animals. When kept in a fish tank, they will easily eat most common fish foods. They might eat a bit more meat than other Australian rainbowfish.
Why Are Red Rainbowfish Endangered?
The IUCN Red List says the red rainbowfish is endangered. This is because more and more people are living around Lake Sentani. This is the only place where these fish live naturally. Also, new types of fish, like tilapia, have been brought into the lake. These new fish can cause problems for the native red rainbowfish.
Where Do Red Rainbowfish Live?
This fish is only found in Lake Sentani. It also lives in the small rivers that flow into the lake. This area is near Jayapura in Papua, Indonesia. Another fish, the Chilatherina sentaniensis, also lives in the same area.
Naming the Red Rainbowfish
The red rainbowfish, Glossolepis incisa, is the main example for its group, called Glossolepis. A scientist named Max C.W. Weber first described this fish in 1907.
