Scarlet Red Rainbow Pair

Size 2 – 2.5 inch

Scarlet Red Rainbowfish is a colorful freshwater aquarium fish valued for its vivid red tones, active schooling behavior, and constant movement. The trade name can refer to red-enhanced strains of rainbowfish, often related to species such as Boesemani Rainbowfish or other Rainbowfish varieties.

Quick Overview

• Type: Freshwater schooling fish
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, energetic, social

Appearance

• Bright scarlet to deep red body coloration
• Metallic shine under aquarium lighting
• Streamlined body shape
• Males often more colorful with extended fins

Tank Requirements

• Tank size: 120 liters (30+ gallons) minimum for a group
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 6.8–7.8
• Water: Clean, well-oxygenated
• Flow: Moderate
• Aquascape: Open swimming space + planted edges

Behavior

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more
• Very active mid-to-top swimmers
• Males may display to each other
• Peaceful with similarly sized community fish

Feeding

Omnivorous:

• Quality flakes/pellets
• Frozen foods
• Live foods
• Vegetable matter / spirulina foods

Good Tank Mates

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Peaceful barbs
• Other rainbowfish of similar size

Care Tips

• Keep in groups for confidence and best color
• Provide strong filtration
• Regular water changes improve health and color
• Use darker background/plants to enhance red tones