Madagascar Rainbow (Bedotia geayi) — 4-5,5cm

Overview

The Madagascar Rainbow (Bedotia geayi), also known as the Red-Tailed Silverside or Zona, is a peaceful, slender rainbowfish with subtle beauty and a striking red tail that adds elegance to a planted community aquarium. Endemic to the Mananjary River drainage in Madagascar, this species is threatened in the wild by habitat loss and introduced species, making captive populations increasingly important for conservation. Reaching approximately 8cm in adulthood with moderate care requirements, the Madagascar Rainbow is suitable for aquarists who can provide a well-filtered, planted aquarium with excellent water quality. Available to buy tropical fish uk from Tropical Fish Co, this beautiful rainbowfish rewards dedicated keepers with shimmering scales and graceful schooling behavior.

Appearance

Adult Madagascar Rainbows reach approximately 8cm in length, displaying a slender, streamlined body typical of Bedotia species. The species is characterized by its silvery body with subtle iridescent highlights and a distinctive red tail fin that provides a striking color contrast. Males typically show more intense coloration and slightly larger fins than females, particularly when in breeding condition. The species' elegant proportions and active swimming style create a sense of grace in the aquarium. Coloration is most vibrant in fish receiving quality varied diet and maintained in stable, pristine water conditions.

Natural Habitat

This species is endemic to the Mananjary River drainage in eastern Madagascar, where it inhabits clear, flowing streams with rocky or sandy substrates and abundant vegetation. In the wild, Madagascar Rainbows form schools in moderate current, feeding on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and surface-dwelling prey. The water in these habitats is typically warm (22-28°C), slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5-7.5), and well-oxygenated due to current flow. The species is threatened by habitat degradation and competition from introduced species, making it a conservation concern in its native range.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum tank size of 100 litres is required for a school of Madagascar Rainbows, providing adequate swimming space for this active species. Structure the aquarium with plants, driftwood, and rocks to create natural cover while maintaining ample open swimming areas in the mid to upper water column. Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate and ensure moderate water flow to replicate the species' riverine habitat. Invest in excellent filtration and water circulation to maintain high oxygen levels throughout the tank. Subdued lighting and dark substrate help the species feel secure and enhance the subtle coloration. A secure lid is essential, as rainbowfish can jump when startled.

Water Parameters

This species requires stable, neutral water with excellent quality and high oxygen levels. Target pH between 6.5 and 7.5, with temperatures stable between 22-28°C. Water hardness should be low to moderate (6-15 dGH). Perform weekly water changes of 30-40% to maintain pristine conditions and stable chemistry. Test parameters regularly using liquid test kits, ensuring ammonia and nitrite remain at zero. The species is sensitive to poor water quality and declining conditions, so invest in powerful filtration rated for at least double your aquarium volume. Avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature or pH, as rainbowfish can be sensitive to rapid changes.

Feeding

Bedotia geayi is an omnivore that feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and some plant matter in the wild. In captivity, offer a varied diet of high-quality flakes or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented regularly with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and small insect prey. Include some plant-based matter in the form of spirulina-based foods or blanched vegetables to provide dietary balance. Feed small portions twice daily, and ensure food is distributed throughout the water column to allow all fish to feed. Quality varied nutrition supports vibrant coloration, health, and breeding condition.

Behaviour

This species displays peaceful, active schooling behavior typical of rainbowfish. Madagascar Rainbows are constantly on the move, swimming in synchronized groups throughout the mid and upper water column. The species feels most secure and displays natural behavior when kept in schools of at least 8-10 individuals—smaller groups may become timid or stressed. Males may display subtle territorial behavior and show intensified coloration during spawning, but aggression is minimal. The species is alert, curious, and adds constant movement to the aquarium, making it an excellent choice for peaceful community setups.

Tank Mates

Compatible tank mates include other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as non-aggressive rainbowfish, small to medium peaceful cyprinids, peaceful tetras, corydoras, and other peaceful bottom-dwellers with similar water requirements. Choose active but non-aggressive species that tolerate the Madagascar Rainbow's energetic swimming style. Avoid housing with large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping fish, highly territorial species, very large predatory fish, or slow-moving long-finned species that may be stressed by the rainbowfish's constant activity. The species' peaceful nature makes it an excellent choice for well-planned community aquariums.

Breeding

Madagascar Rainbows spawn among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, with breeding typically occurring in the early morning. Condition a breeding group with quality live and frozen foods, then provide dense fine-leaved plants such as Java moss or spawning mops for egg deposition. Adults may eat eggs, so remove eggs or the breeding group after spawning for best results. Eggs hatch within a week, and fry are tiny, requiring infusoria or liquid fry foods initially before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow. Provide stable water conditions and excellent filtration to raise healthy fry.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we specialize in rare and conservation-important species, including the threatened Madagascar Rainbow. Our fish are carefully sourced from responsible breeders, quarantined, and conditioned to ensure they arrive in excellent health, ready to thrive in your planted community aquarium. By purchasing captive-bred Madagascar Rainbows, you support conservation efforts for this threatened species. We provide expert guidance on water chemistry, schooling requirements, and breeding to help you succeed with these elegant and peaceful rainbowfish. With reliable UK delivery and a commitment to quality, we're your trusted source for rainbow fish for sale uk and specialist freshwater aquarium fish.