The Australian Rainbow (Glossolepis dorityi) is a somewhat less common species that has become increasinly popular in the aquarium hobby. It is a very active fish that lives in schools in Papua New Guinea's Lake Nenggwambu and Grimé River, which is are relatively calm bodies of water. As with most larger rainbowfish, both males and females are very colourful, but mature males are deeper-bodied with the most intense coloration.
The Australian Rainbow is peaceful with most other fish species, although its size and activity can be intimidating to particularly shy fish. It is likely to prey on dwarf shrimp, but it is generally safe to keep with peaceful invertebrates that are too large to be considered prey. The most intense coloration will be displayed when this fish is kept in schools of 6 or more, including multiple males, in a planted, spacious aquarium to ensure that subdominant males are not overly harassed by dominant males. As with many rainbowfish, darker substrate will also often result in better coloration. This fish is very adaptable, but should not be kept in soft, acidic water.
While this fish will easily accept high quality dry foods, it should also be fed plenty of small frozen or live foods for optimal health and coloration.
What We Like About This Fish:
- Outstanding coloration that intensifies with maturity
- Active, schooling community fish that thrives in planted aquariums
- Compatible with most fish and many invertebrates
- Possible to breed in the aquarium
- Adaptable to a wide variety of water conditions
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Temperature: 75° - 82° F (24° - 28° C)
- pH: 7.0 - 8.0
- KH: 10 - 20 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons for a school of 6-8 adults
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Omnivorous. High quality dry foods will be accepted, but should be supplemented often with frozen and live foods.
- Social behaviour: Schooling/shoaling, and should be kept in as large of groups as possible. Peaceful with most other fish and invertebrates too large to be considered prey.