🐠 Boesemani Rainbowfish Care Guide (Melanotaenia boesemani)
The Boesemani Rainbowfish is one of the most popular rainbowfish species in the aquarium hobby, prized for its striking two-tone coloration—a shimmering blue front half blending into a brilliant orange/yellow tail. Native to lakes in West Papua, Indonesia, these fish are active, peaceful, and ideal for community aquariums.
🌊 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (larger recommended for schools)
- Schooling Fish: Keep at least 6 or more to reduce stress and bring out natural colors
- Placement: Open swimming space with plants around the edges
- Tank Lid: Recommended, as rainbowfish may jump
💧 Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.0–8.0 (slightly alkaline preferred)
- Hardness: 8–20 dGH
- Filtration: Strong, well-oxygenated water flow
- Maintenance: Weekly water changes (25–30%) to maintain water quality
🍽️ Diet
Boesemani Rainbowfish are omnivores with high activity levels and fast metabolisms.
- Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or pellets (spirulina-based preferred)
- Supplements: Frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)
- Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or algae wafers to balance diet
- Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small amounts
🧑🤝🧑 Tankmates
- Good Matches: Other rainbowfish species, barbs, danios, corydoras, plecos, peaceful gouramis
- Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or predatory fish
- Behavior: Generally peaceful, though males may spar (harmless displays)
🌱 Aquascaping & Environment
- Use planted aquariums with open swimming areas
- Hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Vallisneria, and Swords thrive with them
- Dark substrates and backgrounds enhance their bright coloration
- Provide driftwood or rocks for added natural appeal
🐟 Breeding
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Spawning Setup: Separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
- Process: Males display brighter colors; eggs scattered daily for several days
- Care: Remove adults after spawning—eggs hatch in 7–12 days
- Fry Diet: Infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp
✅ Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Melanotaenia boesemani
- Origin: Lakes Ayamaru, Hain, and Aitinjo (West Papua, Indonesia)
- Size: 4–5 inches
- Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
- Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
🌟 Why Choose Boesemani Rainbowfish?
The Boesemani Rainbowfish is a show-stopping centerpiece for medium to large community aquariums. Its shimmering colors, peaceful nature, and schooling behavior make it a favorite for aquascapers and hobbyists alike.
