Madagascan rainbowfish

Bedotia madagascariensis

An elongated, reflective body with dark stripes; males have more colourful unpaired fins.

An elongated, reflective body with dark stripes.

Adult length: Up to 10 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–25 °C

Natural habitat: Lives in clear, shaded streams, favouring slow reaches; juveniles usually occupy shallows and adults deeper water.

A successful husbandry example is 24–25°C, pH 7.5 and KH 3°dH. Too many males may cause stress or losses within the group.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Both sexes show dark lateral stripes. Look for the caudal pattern: a pale basal area, a continuous curved dark band, and red or white outer tips. Red colour alone does not identify the species. This species has a continuous curved dark submarginal caudal band; geayi has a discrete caudal-base spot. Male geayi may have a red chin mark, but a nonbreeding male may lack it.

Same-species behaviour

Keep more females than males; two males with three females is one breeding example.

Space requirements

At least about 120 litres and 80×40×40 cm for five adults, favouring females. Larger groups require more space.

Diet and feeding

Offer appropriately sized flakes, frozen foods and live foods such as Artemia and mosquito larvae. Adjust portions to the group and distinguish juvenile feeding from adult feeding.

Aquarium environment

Use plants or artificial spawning structures and roots for cover while retaining swimming space.

Sources

citizen-conservation.org ↗ 2026-10-22