Description
Shoaling fish, best kept in a group. Prefers open swimming space with some background plant thickets. Males develop more colourful fins as they mature. Naturally found in flowing streams and lakes of eastern Madagascar.
They are active swimmers and prefer to be kept in shoals of 6 or more in planted yet spacious aquariums.
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Features of Madagascar Rainbowfish:
- Yellow-brown torpedo shaped body with a blue sheen
- Lateral dark blue line runs across its body
- Males have outlined vibrant indigo-red fins and tails
- Females are more subdued in colouring
- Peaceful community fish with fish of similar size & temperament
- Grows to 15cm
Tank Mate Compatibility:
Madagascar Rainbowfish are peaceful community fish that prefer to swim in groups of 6 or more. Best kept in a ratio of one male to two females. They can also be kept with other peaceful community fish and Rainbowfish of similar size.
Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates:
Diet:
Madagascar Rainbowfish are omnivore's. Feed protein rich foods such as high-quality flake foods and small pellets. For healthy fish, ensure a varied diet. This species enjoy live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms and brine shrimp. They also feed on algae and spirulina based foods. Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, kale, zucchini and cucumber can be provided.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
The Best Aquarium Size for Madagascar Rainbowfish:
Best suited to a longer aquarium as they are active and energetic swimmers. An aquarium 3ft or larger is recommended. They are also well known jumpers, thus their aquarium should be well covered.
Check out these suitable aquarium brands:
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Madagascar Rainbowfish Rainbowfish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration for Madagascar Rainbowfish
A good filtration system is necessary as they enjoy clean and clear waters with a moderate flow rate. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate to effectively remove waste from the aquarium. They enjoy highly oxygenated water, ensure good water agitation and consider adding an air pump and stone to your aquarium. Colour may be dull if water lacks adequate oxygenation.
Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Heater for Madagascar Rainbowfish
This fish enjoy cooler temperatures between 22 - 28° C. If you are unable to maintain this temperature naturally, use an aquarium heater. Aquarium heaters also stabilize water temperatures. A thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.
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Aquarium Lighting for Madagascar Rainbowfish
Madagascar Rainbowfish are happiest in a dimly lit environment. We recommend LED aquarium lighting with adjustable brightness to ensure the light level can be altered for happy fish. If using moderate regular lighting, broad leaf and floating aquarium plants can offer shaded areas.
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Substrate for Madagascar Rainbowfish
Madagascar Rainbowfish enjoy dark substrates that mimic their natural habitat. Aquarium gravel and sand is suitable.
View our range of aquarium substrates here.
Aquarium Plants for Madagascar Rainbowfish
Madagascar Rainbowfish prefer spacious planted aquariums with medium to large plants, including floating plants. Plant the background with tall growing plants, leaving the foreground an open space for swimming.
Interested in live plants for your aquarium? View our range of live aquarium plants here.
Aquarium Decorations Madagascar Rainbowfish
Rock & wood can be placed in the aquarium to mimic natural habitats and provide hiding locations to retreat to and reduce stress. Rainbowfish that are less stressed show brighter colours.
View our large range of aquarium decorations here.
