Madagascar Rainbow 5cm

Madagascar Rainbow

Whilst rainbowfish is mostly known for coming from Australia and Papua New Guinea, one lone, but stunning species comes from Madagascar. Finding fish in the aquarium hobby that originates from Madagascar is pretty few and far between but these fish are truly stunning. Their torpedo-like body shape, swimming style, and colours The Madagascar Rainbow is known for its stunning array of colours.

The base colour is a deep-sea blue and olive green which is split by a dark blue lateral line. The fins all carry a terracotta style red which is complimented with bright flashes of yellow. Another key standout feature is the metallic green eye in these rainbowfish. This fish typically reaches a length of up to 12 cm, making it a sizeable yet manageable species for medium to large aquariums. Their colours are only further enhanced when placed in the right aquarium with the presence of both males and females.

Breeding these rainbows in the home aquarium is possible as males tend to grow larger and show far more vibrant colours compared to females. Once these fish reach maturity, they tend to breed on an almost daily basis and aquarists often use breeding mops to collect the eggs and rear them in a separate tank.

Tank Recommendations for your Madagascar Rainbowfish
As the Madagascar rainbow fish do reach around 12 cm, but more importantly are incredibly active it is best to keep them in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 120 litres. This ensures that they can be kept in a school and have ample swimming space as well.

The Madagascar rainbow fish is totally plant-safe and will not only love but also look great in a well-planted aquarium. They are mostly mid to top water-dwelling fish so the choice of substrate and aquarium hardscape is not a major concern. They are however excellent jumpers so a tight-fitting lid is a must for the aquarium.

Suitable Tank Buddies
The Madagascar rainbow fish is incredibly peaceful but due to their speed, they may potentially outcompete slow or bottom-dwelling tank mates. They can however be kept in a wide range of community aquarium settings and with other rainbow fish species.

Usually Compatible
Other rainbow fish species, a range of tetra species such as lemon tetras, black widow tetras, and Congo tetras along with danio species as well.

Sometimes Compatible
Corydoras, Apistogramma, angelfish, and other smaller or potentially slow-moving species.

Rarely Compatible
Aggressive species may prey on the turquoise or any incredibly small species such as shrimp which may be eaten by the rainbow fish.

Feeding your Madagascar Rainbow 
Madagascar rainbow fish will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be a good quality floating food, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp.