Madagascar Rainbow

Description

Madagascar Rainbowfish

A unique rainbowfish with shimmering silver-blue scales, bold black-edged fins, and active schooling behaviour that's perfect for larger planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Bedotia geayi
  • Common name: Madagascar Rainbowfish
  • Adult size: 10–15 cm
  • Tank size: 150L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a larger, active schooling fish.
  • You keep spacious planted aquariums.
  • You enjoy uncommon rainbowfish species.
  • You want a peaceful centrepiece school.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You have a small aquarium.
  • You keep aggressive cichlids or predatory fish.
  • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
  • Your aquarium lacks open swimming space.

Why choose Madagascar Rainbowfish?

Native to the rivers and streams of Madagascar, the Madagascar Rainbowfish is unlike Australian rainbowfish. Adults develop a beautiful silver-blue body with subtle golden highlights, while the males display striking black-edged dorsal and anal fins with flashes of red during courtship.

They are constantly active and happiest when kept in groups, spending much of their time cruising through the middle levels of the aquarium. During display, males intensify their colours and compete peacefully for the attention of females.

Their combination of elegance, hardiness and rarity makes them an outstanding choice for aquarists looking for something different from the more commonly available rainbowfish.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping them in aquariums that are too small.
  • Keeping too few individuals.
  • Housing them with aggressive fish.
  • Providing limited swimming space.
  • Allowing water quality to decline.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Diet: Premium flakes, quality pellets, frozen foods, live foods and insect-based foods
  • Water: Clean, well-filtered and highly oxygenated
  • Setup: Long planted aquarium with open swimming areas, driftwood and a secure-fitting lid

Pairs perfectly with

  • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
  • Boesemani Rainbowfish
  • Congo Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Large peaceful community fish
NTA Insight:
Madagascar Rainbowfish are often overlooked simply because they're less common than Australian rainbowfish. In reality, they're one of the most graceful schooling fish available. A mature group cruising through a large planted aquarium creates a stunning display of metallic blues, reds and flowing black-edged fins that only improves as the fish mature.

FAQ

How many Madagascar Rainbowfish should I keep?

They should be kept in groups of at least six fish. Larger schools encourage natural behaviour, reduce stress and produce the best colours.

Are they suitable for community aquariums?

Yes. Madagascar Rainbowfish are peaceful and mix well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive community fish.

Can they live with shrimp?

Large adult shrimp may be ignored, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be viewed as food due to the fish's larger adult size.

Can they breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They scatter adhesive eggs amongst fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The eggs can be collected and raised separately for the best survival rates.

What makes Madagascar Rainbowfish different from Australian rainbowfish?

Although they share the common name "rainbowfish", Madagascar Rainbowfish belong to a different genus. They have a more streamlined body, distinctive black-edged fins and originate from the freshwater rivers of Madagascar rather than Australia or New Guinea.

Madagascar Rainbow

Product form

Out of stock,  

$20.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Madagascar Rainbowfish

    A unique rainbowfish with shimmering silver-blue scales, bold black-edged fins, and active schooling behaviour that's perfect for larger planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Bedotia geayi
    • Common name: Madagascar Rainbowfish
    • Adult size: 10–15 cm
    • Tank size: 150L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a larger, active schooling fish.
    • You keep spacious planted aquariums.
    • You enjoy uncommon rainbowfish species.
    • You want a peaceful centrepiece school.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You have a small aquarium.
    • You keep aggressive cichlids or predatory fish.
    • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
    • Your aquarium lacks open swimming space.

    Why choose Madagascar Rainbowfish?

    Native to the rivers and streams of Madagascar, the Madagascar Rainbowfish is unlike Australian rainbowfish. Adults develop a beautiful silver-blue body with subtle golden highlights, while the males display striking black-edged dorsal and anal fins with flashes of red during courtship.

    They are constantly active and happiest when kept in groups, spending much of their time cruising through the middle levels of the aquarium. During display, males intensify their colours and compete peacefully for the attention of females.

    Their combination of elegance, hardiness and rarity makes them an outstanding choice for aquarists looking for something different from the more commonly available rainbowfish.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping them in aquariums that are too small.
    • Keeping too few individuals.
    • Housing them with aggressive fish.
    • Providing limited swimming space.
    • Allowing water quality to decline.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Diet: Premium flakes, quality pellets, frozen foods, live foods and insect-based foods
    • Water: Clean, well-filtered and highly oxygenated
    • Setup: Long planted aquarium with open swimming areas, driftwood and a secure-fitting lid

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
    • Boesemani Rainbowfish
    • Congo Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Large peaceful community fish
    NTA Insight:
    Madagascar Rainbowfish are often overlooked simply because they're less common than Australian rainbowfish. In reality, they're one of the most graceful schooling fish available. A mature group cruising through a large planted aquarium creates a stunning display of metallic blues, reds and flowing black-edged fins that only improves as the fish mature.

    FAQ

    How many Madagascar Rainbowfish should I keep?

    They should be kept in groups of at least six fish. Larger schools encourage natural behaviour, reduce stress and produce the best colours.

    Are they suitable for community aquariums?

    Yes. Madagascar Rainbowfish are peaceful and mix well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive community fish.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Large adult shrimp may be ignored, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be viewed as food due to the fish's larger adult size.

    Can they breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They scatter adhesive eggs amongst fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The eggs can be collected and raised separately for the best survival rates.

    What makes Madagascar Rainbowfish different from Australian rainbowfish?

    Although they share the common name "rainbowfish", Madagascar Rainbowfish belong to a different genus. They have a more streamlined body, distinctive black-edged fins and originate from the freshwater rivers of Madagascar rather than Australia or New Guinea.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account