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November 24, 2009
Freshwater Fish
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Madagascar Rainbowfish
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Madagascar Rainbowfish
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The Madagascar Rainbow was identified in 1907 and is a member of the Silverstone group. Rainbowfish are known for their characteristic large eyes, black or silver band that runs through the middle scale rows, deeply forked mouth, and two dorsal fins. The male Madagascar is brightly colored with its first dorsal fin coming to a point, while the female is more yellow and has a deeper body.

This peaceful fish is a schooling fish that should be housed in a planted aquarium with plenty of room to swim, as it is very active. The Madagascar Rainbow will do best with a gravel substrate and its colors may intensify with a dark colored gravel.

An egg layer, Bedotia geayi spawns over fine-leaved plants. During courtship, the male will show his brightest colors. At a temperature of 75°F, the fry will hatch after six or seven days.

Although the Madagascar Rainbow has a large mouth, its throat tends to be narrow. With this in mind, foods should not be too large. The Madagascar Rainbow is an omnivore and should eat a mixed diet of flake foods, live foods, and algae.

Ideal tank mates include: Discus, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, Gouramis, Barbs, Danios, Rasboras, Loaches, Plecos and Scavenger Catfish of similar size.

Fish Facts
Name: Madagascar Rainbowfish (Bedotia geayi)
Family: Atherinidae
Range: Madagascar
Size: Up to 6 inches
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Plants, rocks
Tank Conditions: 68-75°F; pH 7.5-8.5; dH 10-15
Minimum Tank Capacity: 20 gallons
Light: High
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: No specific level
Care Level: Easy
Reproduction: Egg Layer
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Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

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