Zona

About

The zona (Bedotia geayi) is one of Madagascar's native rainbowfishes, found in the Mananjary River basin along the island's eastern side. In the wild it occupies shaded, slow-moving sections of small highland streams, typically at elevations between 300 and 650 meters. Lower-altitude stretches of the same river system are largely avoided, likely because deforestation near the coast has increased water temperatures and silt loads to levels this fish finds unfavorable. That sensitivity to warm, turbid water is worth keeping in mind when setting up a tank for them. In nature, zonas form loose groups of around a dozen fish, and interestingly these associations tend to be sorted by size, with younger fish holding to shallower marginal areas while larger adults favor deeper water. In an aquarium they remain peaceful and active, making them compatible with other calm species of similar size. They do best kept as a group rather than as singles or pairs. This is a schooling fish that genuinely looks more comfortable and behaves more naturally when given companions. Given their somewhat specific water quality preferences and highland origins, they sit comfortably in the intermediate care category. Rewarding for a keeper who pays attention to water conditions.