TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Family: Bedotiidae (Madagascar rainbowfishes)
Genus/species: Bedotia madagascarensis
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Second dorsal fin is golden-yellow basally, with a dark red margin and broad black submarginal band. Anal fin similarly colored, but a golden-yellow zone is sandwiched between a narrow black basal and a broader black submarginal band. Males are conspicuously more colorful than females with more distinct markings and redder tails. Length to 9 cm (3.5in).
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Endemic to Madagascar’s coastal rivers. Found in well-shaded slow-flowing streams at altitudes up to 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level.
DIET IN THE WILD: Insects and their larvae, crustaceans and other small invertebrates.
REPRODUCTION: Sexes are separate. Fertilization is external. Eggs are broadcast in open water and not guarded.
Mortality/Longevity: Lifespan about 5 years.
CONSERVATION: IUCN Red List Near Threatened (NT)
Limited range, habitat degradation and exotic predators such as (Gambusia holbrooki) and competitors (Xiphophorus spp.).
Sexes are separate. Fertilization is external. Eggs are broadcast in open water and not guarded.
Mortality/Longevity: Lifespan about 5 years.
LOCATION: Rainbowfish of Madagascar MD05
References
Encyclopedia of Life eol.org/pages/343730/details
arkive www.arkive.org/zono/bedotia-madagascariensis/image-G52355…
fishbase www.fishbase.org/summary/Bedotia-madagascariensis.html
IUCN www.iucnredlist.org/details/2721/0
Ron’s flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/sets/72157627949403670/
Ron’s WordPress shortlink http://wp.me/p1DZ4b-yY