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Madagascar Rainbow
Bedotia geayi
📍 Madagascar
The Madagascar Rainbow (Bedotia geayi) is a vibrant, medium-sized rainbowfish endemic to Madagascar with distinctive red and orange coloration on males. These active schooling fish are excellent for intermediate aquarists seeking colorful, peaceful community tank inhabitants. They thrive in well-planted tanks with moderate water flow and appreciate the company of their own kind.
Care Guide
Diet
Madagascar Rainbows are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet including high-quality flake foods, small pellets, and regular offerings of frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Supplement with vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes.
Behavior
These are active, schooling fish that display vibrant colors when kept in groups of six or more. Males exhibit striking red and orange hues, especially during spawning season, while females remain more subdued in coloration. They are peaceful community fish that spend most of their time in the middle water column, constantly foraging and interacting with tankmates.
Breeding
Madagascar Rainbows are moderately difficult to breed in captivity but can spawn in well-established tanks with dense vegetation. Breeding pairs prefer slightly acidic water (pH 6.5-7.0) and temperatures around 24-25°C. Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants, and parents may eat fry, so removal to a separate rearing tank is recommended for higher survival rates.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer slightly acidic water and active schooling behavior
Bottom-dweller that won't compete for space; peaceful and shares similar water parameter preferences
Peaceful mid-water dweller; ensure adequate space to prevent territorial disputes
Similar size and schooling behavior; peaceful and compatible with Madagascar Rainbow's water requirements
Algae eater that occupies bottom zone; nocturnal and won't interfere with rainbows' daytime activity
Live plant that provides shelter and spawning sites; improves water quality and tank aesthetics
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; ensure adequate filtration and remove any sharp decorations
Bacterial Infection
Red streaks on body, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes
Perform 50% water change immediately, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible, maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection (Dactylogyrus/Gyrodactylus)
Excessive scratching, clamped fins, rapid gill movement, visible parasites on gills
Use anti-parasitic medication containing praziquantel or formalin, perform daily water changes, increase aeration, treat for 7-10 days following product instructions
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 40 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)