Care guide
Overview
The Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is one of the most spectacular community fish in the hobby. Mature males split sharply down the body — electric blue to violet at the front, vivid orange to yellow at the rear. An active, peaceful schooler that comes into its own as a group in a large planted tank.
Natural Habitat
Endemic to a small lake system around the Ayamaru Lakes of West Papua, Indonesia, where they swim the open water of clear, well-oxygenated, moderately hard lakes among submerged vegetation.
Tank Setup
A 55-gallon (~210 L) is the practical minimum and a six-foot 75-gallon is better — horizontal swimming space matters far more than height. Plant the back and sides heavily, leave open lanes through the middle, use sand or fine gravel, and fit a tight lid because they jump when startled.
Diet
An easy-going omnivore. Offer a quality flake or pellet as the staple, supplemented several times a week with frozen bloodworm, daphnia, mysis, and brine shrimp. Colour-enhancing foods with astaxanthin bring out the orange. Vary the diet, as monotony dulls them.
Temperament & Tankmates
A thoroughly peaceful, active schooler best kept in groups of six or more with more females than males. Good companions include other rainbowfish, Congo Tetras, larger rasboras, peaceful barbs, angelfish, and bristlenose. Avoid fin-nippers and very small tetras that look like food in a big tank.
Approximate Shipping Size
Boesemani Rainbowfish ship as juveniles at approximately 1.5–2 inch (4–5 cm). Adult size is approximately 4–4.5 inch (10–11 cm). All orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
