Madagascar Rainbowfish
The Madagascar Rainbowfish is a slender, active silvery fish with red and black margins on the tail and finnage, most vivid in displaying males. It inhabits clear, flowing streams and rivers of eastern Madagascar and is best kept as a shoal of six or more, where males colour up while competing. Peaceful and fast-moving, it suits a community of similarly active species but may intimidate very timid tankmates. Provide cooler, well-oxygenated water at 20-24 C, neutral to slightly alkaline, and moderately hard, with open swimming space and a gentle current. As an unfussy omnivore it accepts flakes, small live and frozen foods, and micro-pellets. Regular water changes and steady flow keep it healthy; it is a rewarding, hardy alternative to Australian rainbowfishes for cooler community tanks.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 20 – 24 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 7 – 8 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 4 – 12 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 8 – 18 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 120 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 15 L — adds up with tank-mates |
| Minimum group size | 6 individuals (shoaling) |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Madagascar Rainbowfish need?
Provide at least 120 litres for a small group to keep Madagascar Rainbowfish in good conditions.
What water parameters does Madagascar Rainbowfish need?
A temperature of 20–24 °C, pH 7–8.
Is Madagascar Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is peaceful.
What does Madagascar Rainbowfish eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How many Madagascar Rainbowfish should be kept together?
It is a social species: keep a group of at least 6.
How big does Madagascar Rainbowfish get?
Around 9 cm as an adult.
Is Madagascar Rainbowfish suitable for beginners?
Care level: intermediate.
Planning a tank with Madagascar Rainbowfish?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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