Can Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Madagascar Rainbowfish

Bedotia madagascariensis

Price's Rainbowfish

Chilatherina pricei

🐟Family Group
Madagascar Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Price's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Madagascar Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Price's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Madagascar Rainbowfish
22–26°C
Price's Rainbowfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Madagascar Rainbowfish
6.5–8.5
Price's Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Madagascar Rainbowfish
8–20
Price's Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Madagascar Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Price's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Madagascar Rainbowfish
Moderate
Price's Rainbowfish
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Madagascar Rainbowfish
150 L
Price's Rainbowfish
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Madagascar Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Price's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Madagascar Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Price's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Madagascar Rainbowfish
Price's Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish both frequent the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Madagascar Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Madagascar Rainbowfish or Price's Rainbowfish aggressive?

Madagascar Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Price's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Madagascar Rainbowfish and Price's Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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