Madagascar Rainbow

fish description – Madagascar Rainbowfish Care Guide ($Bedotiamadagascariensis$)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

• Short Description: This Rainbowfish has a slender, elongated body with subtle metallic colors, often displaying red or black markings on the fins. They are energetic fish whose colors intensify during the morning courtship rituals.
• Coloration: Body is generally silvery or golden with subtle iridescent blue or green hues. Males display more vibrant colors, particularly on the unpaired fins, which often have red or black edging.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are set far back. Males develop more colorful and elongated fins, while females remain rounder and fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs.
• Behavior: They are very active and should be kept in large schools to reduce timidity. They primarily occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, enjoying moderate water flow.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (120 liters) is the minimum for a small group of 6, but a 55 gallon (4ft long) tank is highly recommended due to their active nature. A lid is required as they can jump when startled.
• Schooling: Best kept in groups of at least 6–10 individuals. Maintaining a group with more females than males (e.g., 2:1 ratio) will help minimize territorial disputes between rival males.
• Temperature: Tropical range: 72∘–79∘F (22∘–26∘C).
• pH Level: Highly tolerant, but prefer neutral to slightly acidic water: 6.5 to 7.5. Pristine water quality is essential, requiring efficient filtration and regular partial water changes.
• Aquascape: The tank should have areas of dense planting (including floating plants to diffuse light) and driftwood to provide cover and shaded areas, alongside ample open swimming space in the center.

Diet and Feeding

The Madagascar Rainbowfish is an omnivore that feeds on terrestrial insects and other invertebrates in the wild.

• Staple Diet: High-quality, vitamin-enriched flake food or micropellets. They are surface feeders.
• Supplementation: A varied diet of protein is vital for coloration and vitality. Offer frozen or live foods such as Bloodworms, Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, and spirulina-based vegetable matter.
• Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. They are greedy eaters, so avoid overfeeding, which can quickly foul the water.

Compatibility

• Caution: Should not be kept with fish small enough to be viewed as prey (e.g., tiny fry) or overly aggressive fish.
• Good Tank Mates: Other peaceful, similarly sized community fish. They mix well with other peaceful Rainbowfish species, larger Tetras, peaceful Barbs, Rasboras, and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras and L-number Plecos.