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The Madagascar Rainbowfish is an attractive freshwater fish admired for its slender body, shimmering scales, and distinctive colouration that becomes increasingly vibrant as the fish matures. Native to Madagascar, this peaceful schooling species is well suited to spacious community aquariums where it can be kept in a group and provided with plenty of open swimming space.
Madagascar Rainbowfish are active, social fish that display their best colours when kept in suitable numbers and given excellent water quality. Their combination of peaceful behaviour, elegant appearance, and energetic swimming makes them an excellent choice for larger community aquariums.
Common Name: Madagascar Rainbowfish
Scientific Name: Bedotia madagascariensis
Family: Bedotiidae
Origin: Madagascar
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Diet: Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 150 litres
Adult Size: 10–15 cm
Lifespan: 5–8 years
The Madagascar Rainbowfish has a long, slender body with a forked tail and two dorsal fins, giving it an elegant and streamlined appearance.
Its body can display attractive shades of silver, olive, yellow, blue, and green, with colour intensity varying between individuals, sex, age, and water conditions. Mature males generally develop stronger and more noticeable colouration than females.
A darker horizontal stripe often runs along the side of the body, while the fins may develop yellow, orange, or reddish tones. When kept in good conditions, males can become particularly impressive, displaying iridescent colouration during courtship and social interactions.
Madagascar Rainbowfish are generally peaceful and active community fish. They are naturally schooling fish and should be kept in a group rather than as solitary specimens.
A group of at least 6 individuals is recommended, with larger groups often producing more natural behaviour and reducing stress. Males may display to one another by showing their fins and colours, but this behaviour is normally harmless when the aquarium provides sufficient space.
Suitable tank mates include:
Avoid keeping them with:
A spacious, mature aquarium with plenty of open swimming space is ideal for Madagascar Rainbowfish. Because they are active swimmers, a long aquarium is generally preferable to a tall aquarium.
Include sturdy aquatic plants, driftwood, rocks, and other decorations around the edges of the aquarium while leaving a generous central area for swimming.
Madagascar Rainbowfish appreciate good water movement and high levels of dissolved oxygen. Efficient filtration and regular maintenance are important, particularly because this species can be sensitive to deteriorating water quality.
A tightly fitted aquarium lid is also recommended because active Rainbowfish can jump when startled or during periods of vigorous activity.
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–20 dGH
Stable water conditions are important for long-term health and colour development. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH, or water chemistry.
Excellent filtration, regular water changes, and good oxygenation should be considered essential parts of their care.
Madagascar Rainbowfish are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet containing both plant-based and protein-rich foods.
Recommended foods include:
Feed small portions once or twice daily, providing only as much food as the fish can consume within a few minutes.
A varied diet helps support healthy growth, vibrant colouration, and good condition. Smaller foods are particularly suitable because Madagascar Rainbowfish have relatively small mouths despite their adult body size.
Madagascar Rainbowfish are energetic, social fish that spend much of their time swimming through the middle and upper areas of the aquarium.
They are most entertaining when kept in a proper group, with males frequently displaying to females and competing with one another through harmless displays of colour and fin posture.
Their active nature means they benefit greatly from open swimming space. A cramped aquarium can prevent them from displaying their natural behaviour and may contribute to stress.
Providing a combination of planted areas and open water allows the fish to move between cover and swimming areas while maintaining a natural-looking aquarium layout.
Madagascar Rainbowfish are egg-laying fish and can breed in the home aquarium when provided with suitable conditions.
During spawning, eggs are attached to fine-leaved plants, spawning mops, or other suitable surfaces. The adults may eat eggs if given the opportunity, so aquarists wishing to raise fry should provide spawning material that can be removed from the main aquarium.
Breeding is generally possible for experienced aquarists and does not require the highly specialised conditions associated with some difficult-to-breed species.
Fry are very small and require appropriately sized foods. Newly hatched fry can be raised on suitable microscopic foods before gradually being moved onto larger foods as they grow.
Keep Madagascar Rainbowfish in a group of at least 6 individuals, with a larger group being preferable when aquarium space allows. Provide a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room, particularly along the length of the tank.
Maintain excellent water quality with efficient filtration, good oxygenation, and regular water changes. Avoid overcrowding and sudden changes in water chemistry.
Use sturdy plants and decorations around the edges of the aquarium while keeping the centre relatively open. A secure lid is recommended because these active fish can jump.
Offer a varied diet consisting of quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods. Regular feeding of appropriately sized foods will help maintain condition and encourage strong colouration.
Choose peaceful tank mates of a similar size and temperament. Avoid aggressive species and fish that may harass or prey upon the Rainbowfish.
With a spacious aquarium, stable water conditions, a suitable group, and a varied diet, the Madagascar Rainbowfish can become a spectacular, peaceful, and highly active feature species in a well-maintained community aquarium.
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