Madagascar Rainbow tank mates
Bedotia geayi
6 rated pairings from the Madagascar Rainbow care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Madagascar Rainbow needs at least 40 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer slightly acidic water and active schooling behavior
Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
20 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Bottom-dweller that won't compete for space; peaceful and shares similar water parameter preferences
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar size and schooling behavior; peaceful and compatible with Madagascar Rainbow's water requirements
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Live plant that provides shelter and spawning sites; improves water quality and tank aesthetics
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
15 gal min · 3.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Peaceful mid-water dweller; ensure adequate space to prevent territorial disputes
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Algae eater that occupies bottom zone; nocturnal and won't interfere with rainbows' daytime activity
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.