Madagascar Rainbowfish

Bedotia madagascariensis

Madagascar Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 5.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 5Intermediate

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Need help with Madagascar Rainbowfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–77°F (24–25°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 0–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 5

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–25 °C, pH 7–8, GH 0–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Madagascar Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Madagascar Rainbowfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer a varied omnivorous diet. Keep stable 24-25 °C with good filtration; use more females than males. Five adults can be maintained in the documented120 L setup, while a larger aquarium and a group up to ten are preferred.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 5.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Madagascar.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Madagascar Rainbowfish get?

Madagascar Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Madagascar Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Madagascar Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Madagascar Rainbowfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Madagascar Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 24 to 25 °C.

Should Madagascar Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Madagascar Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of at least 5.