Boesmani Rainbow Fish Melanotaenia Boesemani 5cm

Overview

Boeseman's Rainbowfish is the best-known rainbowfish, a deep-bodied shoaler whose adult males are steel blue on the front half and golden orange on the rear, females paler. It is found only in the Ajamaru Lakes and Lake Aitinjo on the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua. Peaceful and constantly on the move, it suits larger planted community aquariums with open swimming space.

• Adult Size: Around 11–13 cm (5 in); males larger and deeper bodied
• Lifespan: 5–8 years

Origin

• Native to: Ajamaru Lakes and Lake Aitinjo, West Papua, Indonesia
• Habitat: Clear, warm, densely vegetated lake shallows

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Flake, micro pellets, green flake, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae
• Feeding Habits: Two feeds daily; small mouths, so use small foods

Tank Mates

• Best with: Groups of six or more; other rainbowfish, rasboras, larger tetras, Corydoras
• Avoid: Fin-nippers; slow long-finned fish; cool-water species such as danios

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and lively
• Territoriality: Not territorial; males display and spar harmlessly

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs a long tank, a group and clean, well-filtered water

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, moderately hard, slightly alkaline
• Temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Hardness: 8–20 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 200 litres; at least 120 cm long for a shoal

Final Notes

Juveniles look drab and colour up over months once settled, so buy a group of six or more and be patient; males are larger, deeper and show a forehead breeding stripe. They are accomplished jumpers, so use a tight cover, and choose tank mates happy at their warmer temperatures. Endangered in the wild, so stock is captive bred. Continual egg scatterers over fine plants, they are a joy in a big planted tank.