Millennium Rainbowfish

Tami River Rainbowfish (Glossolepis pseudoincisus)

Also known as the Millennium Rainbowfish

A rare and stunning freshwater rainbowfish from the isolated oxbow lake near the Tami River in Irian Jaya (Papua), Indonesia. This species was described in 1980 and remains one of the most sought-after rainbowfishes in the aquarium hobby thanks to its compact size and striking coloration.

• Maximum Size: 8.0 cm / ~3.1 inches SL (typically 3–4 inches total length).
• Appearance: Sleek, fusiform (torpedo-shaped) body built for active swimming. Mature males develop an intense, blood-red coloration that is often brighter and more vivid than the popular Red Rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus). Females are golden-yellow with subtle red accents. Under good lighting, the scales display a beautiful iridescent “flash.”
• Fin Details: Dorsal spines 6–7, dorsal soft rays 10–12; anal spines 1, anal soft rays 18–22.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 40–55 gallons for a small school (6 or more recommended for best color and natural behavior).
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 70–79°F (21–26°C), pH 6.5–8.5, moderate hardness.
• Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods. Supplement with spirulina or vegetable matter to enhance coloration and health.
• Behavior: Peaceful, active mid-to-upper water column schooling fish. Excellent for peaceful community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive companions. Provide a tight-fitting lid — they are strong jumpers.

IUCN Status: Listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN due to its extremely limited natural range.

A perfect choice for dedicated aquarists who want vibrant color, lively activity, and a conversation-starting rarity in their planted or community aquarium.

Add a splash of fiery red and golden shimmer to your tank with the beautiful Tami River Rainbowfish!