Madagascar Rainbow Fish Bedotia Madagascarensis 4cm

Overview

The Madagascar Rainbowfish is a slender, torpedo-shaped shoaler with a dark lateral stripe, shimmering scales and red-edged fins that become vivid in mature males. It comes from shaded forest streams in eastern Madagascar and is endangered in the wild. It suits medium to large planted community tanks with plenty of open swimming room.

• Adult Size: Around 9–10 cm (3.5–4 in); males slightly larger
• Lifespan: 5–8 years

Origin

• Native to: Eastern Madagascar: Ivoloina River south to Vatomandry
• Habitat: Clear, well-shaded, slow-flowing lowland streams

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Quality flake, small pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; varied diet keeps red fins bright

Tank Mates

• Best with: Groups of 6 or more, tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, other rainbowfish
• Avoid: Aggressive cichlids and fin-nippers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and active
• Territoriality: Low; males display to each other without harm

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs space, good filtration and stable water; jumps when startled, so cover the tank

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard, neutral
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres for a group; length matters more than depth

Final Notes

These are fast, restless swimmers that need a long tank, a tight-fitting lid and a group to feel secure. They form loose size-sorted shoals in the wild, so mixed sizes are fine. Egg scatterers, they spawn over plants or mops and the adults eat eggs given the chance. Wild populations are endangered, so aquarium-bred fish help keep the species in the hobby, and they mature into handsome, long-lived showpieces.