The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Sepik Rainbow Fish Glossolepis Multisquamata 5cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview:
The Sepik Rainbowfish is a rare and beautiful species prized for its vibrant coloration, iridescent scales, and active schooling behavior. Males develop brilliant shades of red, orange, and metallic green as they mature, often intensifying during display or courtship. Native to Papua New Guinea, this species is ideal for aquarists seeking an uncommon and eye-catching rainbowfish for a well-maintained freshwater community or biotope aquarium.
Origin:
Endemic to the Sepik River system in northern Papua New Guinea, Glossolepis multisquamata inhabits slow-moving freshwater streams and backwaters with dense vegetation and warm, clean water.
Feeding:
Omnivorous and easy to feed. Provide a mix of high-quality flake or micro pellet food, along with frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional vegetable-based foods (like spirulina flakes) support health and color.
Tank Mates:
Peaceful and best kept in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural schooling and reduce stress. Great companions include other rainbowfish, Corydoras, peaceful barbs, rasboras, and livebearers. Avoid slow or long-finned tank mates due to their energetic swimming style.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
-
pH: 6.5–7.5
-
Soft to moderately hard water
-
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (larger is better for schools)
-
Provide planted areas, open swimming space, and gentle flow
Behavior & Personality:
-
Active, peaceful, and social
-
Males display brighter colors and slight body arching
-
Excellent for community or biotope aquariums
Special Notes:
-
Color develops fully in mature males (usually 6+ months)
-
Performs best in clean, well-oxygenated water with regular maintenance
-
Not commonly available—rare in the hobby and sought after by rainbowfish collectors
The Sepik Rainbowfish is a dynamic, peaceful schooling fish that adds shimmering beauty and natural behavior to any community tank. A must-have for enthusiasts of rare species and Papua New Guinea biotope setups.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.