Madagascar Rainbowfish - Bedotia madagascarensis : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Madagascar Rainbowfish (Bedotia madagascarensis) is a captivating fish that will add a touch of colour to any community aquarium. Its adaptability to different water conditions and peaceful nature makes it a great choice for aquarists of all levels. Although these fish are easier to care for and breed than other Rainbowfish, they are better suited to more experienced aquarists.
Madagascan Rainbowfish exhibit a prevailing predisposition towards peaceful and somewhat sociable behaviours, warranting their collective husbandry in groups consisting of no fewer than 10 individuals. This approach not only mitigates their innate skittishness but also contributes to the creation of a more authentically immersive aquatic visualization. Intra-male territorial tendencies can emerge intermittently; however, these concerns are typically circumvented by maintaining a female-dominant composition within the group and ensuring the presence of ample visual partitions amid the decor.
In selecting compatible tankmates for the Madagascar Rainbowfish, it is imperative to opt for species that not only exhibit a congenial temperament akin to that of the Madagascar Rainbowfish but also possess the resilience to flourish under analogous aquatic conditions. Ensuring that these companion species are of a similar size is crucial to prevent instances of predation or harassment. Suitable tankmates encompass a range of species including other Rainbowfish, Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Loaches, Dwarf Gouramis, and Livebearers, all of which can coexist harmoniously with the Madagascar Rainbowfish in a well-maintained aquatic environment.
The enclosure for accommodating Madagascan Rainbowfish warrants a generous expanse, in consideration of their inherently active comportment, with an optimal dimension of no less than 4 feet in length. Aquascaping endeavours should encompass strategic incorporation of densely vegetated zones, incorporating both submerged and floating plant species, accompanied by intricately arranged driftwood formations, serving to furnish an abundance of shaded refuges. Effective filtration systems are pivotal, while calibrated water circulation should maintain a gentle disposition. Regular implementation of partial water changes is imperative to sustain minimal nitrate levels within the aquatic milieu.
Madagascan Rainbowfish are known for their attractive body shape, which is elongated and slender, with short but sturdy fins. The body colour is a subtle yellowish-brown with shimmering silver scales and a delicate blue hue. However, what makes them stand out is the prominent dark blue band that runs along their entire length, complemented by a second shorter bar below it. Male Madagascar Rainbowfish sport black fins at the base, which then fade into striking red and eventually end with a black edge. On the other hand, females have transparent fins or sometimes a milder version of the male fin colouration. There are also various regional colour variants that make them an exciting addition to any collection.
Madagascar Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It is a simple task to differentiate between male and female Madagascar Rainbowfish. Typically, adult males boast a more extensive range of colours and have more colour in their fins than females. Conversely, females are plumper and less colourful than males, especially when carrying eggs.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Bedotia madagascarensis |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1903 |
| Other Names | Red-Tailed Silverside, Madagascan Rainbow Fish, Zona |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Bedotia |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 15 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 8 - 25 |
| TDS | 0 - 268 |
| ℉ | 72 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
The Madagascar Rainbowfish is not only a stunning and captivating species but also an incredibly important one. This fish is endemic to the Mananjary River, located on the stunning island of Madagascar off the east coast of Africa. You can find these fish in small flowing streams and lower stretches of rivers that drain into the coastal lagoons and lakes, often in shaded areas of the water.
They typically inhabit altitudes of around 500 meters above sea level, adding to their unique and captivating nature. However, despite their captivating beauty and importance, the Madagascar Rainbowfish is facing threats due to habitat modification and rapid deforestation. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species on the Red List of Threatened Species as vulnerable. It is our responsibility to ensure the survival of this species by protecting their natural habitats and supporting conservation efforts.
Breeding
The breeding of Madagascar Rainbowfish in an aquarium environment is a relatively straightforward process that requires some patience and attention to detail. To initiate spawning, you should place a small group consisting of one male and two or three females into a well-established aquarium. It's important to note that males can become quite aggressive during the spawning process, so the tank should be heavily planted with fine-leaved plants, driftwood roots, and some floating plants for cover.
Females will lay several large brown eggs daily amongst the plants continuously over several months until spawning is completed. The eggs are attached to the plants by fine threads, and you can either remove them daily and place them in a grow-out tank or leave them with the adults until they hatch. The eggs typically hatch around 6 or 7 days after spawning, at which point you can offer the fry infusoria, rotifers, paramecia, or commercial powdered fry food.
After about a week, they should be big enough to consume newly hatched brine shrimp. It's important to note that the fry is incredibly vulnerable to fluctuations in water parameters and is considered challenging to raise. To avoid any issues, minimal water changes are advised until they are a lot bigger. You should also avoid performing any water changes during the early stage for at least a couple of weeks.
Diet & Feeding
Feeding Madagascar Rainbowfish in an aquarium setting is straightforward, provided they receive a diet conducive to their health and vitality. It is advisable to use high-quality pellets or flake food as the staple of their diet. To enhance their nutritional intake and introduce dietary variety, supplementing with live foods such as tubifex worms, bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp is recommended, ideally twice a week, with frozen alternatives serving as a suitable substitution when needed. Care must be taken to prevent overfeeding, as excess food can cause digestive issues and compromise water quality. These fish should be fed twice a day, ensuring the portion size is such that it can be consumed completely within less than 5 minutes.
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