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Fish · Freshwater

Madagascar rainbowfish

Bedotia geayi

Madagascar rainbowfish is a popular community aquarium fish.
D
Difficulty
Beginner
A
Aggression
2/10
G
Schooling
Yes
T
Size
5.00 cm
L
Minimum volume
40 L
º
Temperature
22.0-28.0 ºC
Z
Zone
Midwater
V
Lifespan
5 years

Quick profile scan

fish
Territoriality Low
Aggression 2/10
Activity Fast
Thermal sensitivity Medium
Bioload Medium
Speed Fast
Predation risk None

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Check whether this species fits your aquarium

Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.

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Expert read

Quick verdict

A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.

Best for

Aquariums where its role fits: schooling midwater.

Typical risk

Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.

Aquarium zone

Where it lives best

Surface
Midwater primary
Bottom

Quick compatibility

Community signals

Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision

Before buying Madagascar rainbowfish

Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.

L

Adult volume

Make sure your aquarium is above 40 L before buying it.

G

Minimum group

Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.

Parameters

Water conditions

pH
6.5 - 7.5
GH
5 - 15
KH
3 - 10
Temperature
22.0 - 28.0 ºC

Growth and behavior

Juvenile to adult

Juvenile
As a juvenile it feels safer in a group and usually uses the midwater area with coordinated movement. An insufficient group can increase stress and erratic behavior.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a strong social pattern and is more stable in adequate groups. In balanced communities it usually occupies the midwater area without causing major conflict.

Ecological profile

Role and biological pressure

Schooling Midwater Centerpiece Medium Medium Moderate None
Profile: midwater schooling species, with medium bioload and primary use of the midwater area. It should be kept in a group to show stable behavior and reduce stress. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.

Ecological radar

profile
Territoriality 24%
Aggression 20%
Activity 78%
Thermal sensitivity 52%
Bioload 52%

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.

Keeping too few individuals for a social species.

Care

Essential care

Keep in groups of at least 6 specimens. It prefers tanks with open swimming space, some current and weekly water changes.
Daily time
10 min
Life cycle

Breeding

It is an egg-laying fish and relatively easy to breed. It scatters eggs among plants or over the substrate and provides no parental care.
Oviparous Easy

Hembras más redondeadas y robustas. Machos más esbeltos y algo más amarillentos.

Monitoring

Alerts and health

  • Mantener en grupo
  • Espacio para nadar
  • Acuario tapado
  • Corriente suave a moderada

Common issues

Ich Podredumbre de aletas Parásitos externos
Expert notes

Interesting details

01

Es una de las especies más usadas en investigación biomédica

02

Sus rayas permanecen visibles durante toda la vida

03

Es un pez muy activo y gregario

Editorial confidence

Last review: June 2026

Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.

Profile data Ecological profile Manual relationships General aquarium observation