Madagascan Rainbowfish Bedotia madagascarensis
£10.00
Madagascan Rainbowfish
Bulk Offer – 3 for £27.00
Discount will apply at checkout.
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Description
Madagascan Rainbowfish (Bedotia madagascarensis):
Care Guide:
The Madagascan Rainbowfish is a striking, active freshwater fish native to the river systems of Madagascar. This schooling species is highly valued by aquarists for its vibrant colours and peaceful temperament.
Species Overview
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- Scientific Name: Bedotia madagascarensis
- Common Name: Madagascan Rainbowfish, Madagascar Rainbowfish
- Family: Bedotiidae
- Origin: Madagascar (Eastern rivers and streams)
- Adult Size: 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches)
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
- Diet: Omnivore
Tank Setup and Parameters
This species requires clean, well-oxygenated water with a moderate current to mimic its natural river habitat. They are active swimmers that occupy the upper and middle layers of the aquarium.
Water Conditions
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- Temperature: 22°C to 25°C
- pH Range: 6.5 to 7.8
- Water Hardness: 8 to 15 dGH
Aquarium Requirements
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- Minimum Tank Size: 120 litres (approximately 30 gallons) for a small school.
- Tank Length: Minimum 90 cm to allow adequate swimming space.
- Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel to enhance their natural coloration.
- Aquascaping: Dense planting along the sides and back, leaving the centre open for swimming.
- Cover: A secure lid is essential, as this species is prone to jumping when startled.
Diet and Feeding
Bedotia madagascarensis is an opportunistic surface feeder. Provide a varied diet to maintain optimal health and intense coloration.
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- Base Diet: High-quality floating flakes or small pellets.
- Live and Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and fruit flies.
- Feeding Frequency: Two to three small meals daily, consuming all food within two minutes.
Behaviour and Compatibility
These are peaceful, shoaling fish that must be kept in groups of at least six individuals. Keeping them in larger numbers reduces stress and encourages natural schooling behaviour.
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- Ideal Tankmates: Peaceful community fish of a similar size, such as larger tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful Barbs.
- Incompatible Tankmates: Aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or very small fry that may be mistaken for food.
Sexual Dimorphism and Breeding
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- Males: More colourful with intense red or yellow edging on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. They are generally larger and deeper-bodied than females.
- Females: Noticeably rounder, especially when carrying eggs, with much duller fin coloration.
Breeding Summary
- Method: Egg scatterers.
- Triggers: A slight temperature rise and a diet heavy in live foods.
- Spawning: They deposit eggs daily over a period of several days into fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
- Rearing: Parents should be removed post-spawning to prevent egg consumption. Fry hatch in 7 to 10 days and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Convenient nationwide delivery; you’re only a click away!
Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.
For your peace of mind we enclose a slip which will explain what to do in the event of a fish not traveling too well.
We use a licensed courier to deliver your fish directly to you door and will be with you by 1pm the next day.
Our delivery days are as follows:
Tuesday for Wednesday delivery
Wednesday for Thursday delivery
Thursday for Friday delivery
Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.
General Enquiries
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