Species profile
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
Glossolepis wanamensis
Peaceful
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
8–10 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Endangered Lake Wanam rainbowfish; keep a sizeable shoal and preserve provenance/line purity if breeding.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–29 °C
pH
7–8
GH
8–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Active, peaceful shoaler. Males display strongly when maintained with several conspecifics.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Glossolepis wanamensis
Alternative names
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
Native range
Lake Wanam, Papua New Guinea.
Natural habitat
Provide clean, well-oxygenated water, open swimming room and planted margins. Avoid prolonged soft/acidic conditions.
Diet & feeding
Quality dry foods with vegetable matter and regular live/frozen invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males become deeper-bodied and much more intensely coloured; females remain slimmer and plainer.
Breeding
Plant/mop-spawning rainbowfish; eggs are deposited over many days and hatch after an extended incubation.