Madagascan Rainbow

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About Madagascan Rainbow

The Madagascan Rainbow is a beautiful and active freshwater fish native to Madagascar, known for its shimmering silver-gold body, dark horizontal stripe and subtle blue, orange and red highlights.

These peaceful schooling fish are best kept in groups, where they display much more natural behaviour and confidence. They are active swimmers and appreciate plenty of open water combined with planted areas and driftwood for shelter.

Madagascan Rainbows are hardy once established and make excellent additions to larger community aquariums. They can be kept with other peaceful fish of a similar size, although their active nature means they are best suited to aquariums with plenty of swimming space.

They are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes and pellets alongside frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Bedotia geayi
Common Name: Madagascan Rainbow / Madagascar Rainbowfish
Family: Bedotiidae
Type: Freshwater Fish / Rainbowfish
Adult Size: Approximately 10–12 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Suitable For: Community aquariums and planted tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Madagascan Rainbows peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish and are best kept with other similarly sized peaceful species.

Should Madagascan Rainbows be kept in groups?

Yes. They are schooling fish and should ideally be kept in a group of at least 6, with larger groups producing more natural behaviour.

How big does a Madagascan Rainbow get?

They can reach approximately 10–12 cm, making them a medium-sized rainbowfish.

What do Madagascan Rainbows eat?

They are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes and pellets, along with daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms and other frozen or live foods.

Do Madagascan Rainbows need plants?

They don't require a heavily planted aquarium, but plants, driftwood and other structures provide shelter and help create a natural environment.

Common Mistakes

Keeping only one or two fish
They are schooling fish and behave much more naturally when kept in a proper group.

Using an undersized aquarium
They are active swimmers and benefit from plenty of open swimming space.

Keeping them with very small fish
Adult Madagascan Rainbows are relatively large and active and are best paired with appropriately sized tank mates.

Not providing a varied diet
A combination of quality prepared foods and frozen or live foods helps maintain colour and condition.

Overcrowding the aquarium
Good swimming space and water quality are particularly important for active schooling fish.