fish description – Boesemani Rainbowfish Care Guide (Melanotaenia boesemani)
| Category | Detail |
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia boesemani |
| Common Name | Boesemani Rainbowfish, Boeseman’s Rainbow, Scarlet Rainbow |
| Origin | Clear, shallow lakes and streams of Western New Guinea (Indonesia) |
| Adult Size | 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, very active, mid-to-upper level schooling fish |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years (up to 12 in ideal conditions) |
| Care Level | Easy |
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Appearance and Sexual Differences
- Short Description: A robust, oval-shaped fish with an unmistakable gradient of color: the front half, including the head, is a shimmering blue-grey, which sharply changes mid-body to a vibrant orange, red, or scarlet hue toward the tail.
- Coloration: Juveniles are often dull silver or blue and may take up to 12 months to develop their full adult coloration, which is directly tied to diet and water quality. The bright colors flash most intensely during morning sparring rituals and feeding.
- Fins: The two dorsal fins run along the rear half of the body. Males are more brightly colored, especially during display, and are slightly larger with higher dorsal fins; females are smaller and duller.
- Behavior: They are constant, fast swimmers that enjoy traversing the entire length of the tank. They are peaceful but their rapid movements can sometimes intimidate slower, shyer tank mates.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
- Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 40 gallons long is recommended for a healthy school of adults. A tank length of 4 feet or more is necessary to accommodate their constant, rapid swimming activity. A lid is required.
- Schooling: They should be kept in schools of at least 6–8 individuals. A larger shoal is crucial for their well-being, reducing stress, and encouraging the magnificent male color displays.
- Temperature: Tropical range: 72∘–82∘F (22∘–28∘C) (ideally 75∘–78∘F).
- pH Level: Prefer slightly alkaline and hard water: 7.0 to 8.0. They are hardy but thrive best with stable hardness (dGH) between 8 and 20.
- Aquascape: They appreciate a densely planted tank (Amazon Swords, Java Fern) along the sides and back, coupled with large open areas in the center for active swimming. Use driftwood for cover.
Diet and Feeding
The Boesemani Rainbowfish is an omnivore that will readily eat most foods, but needs variety to maintain its vibrant color.
- Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellets small enough for their mouths.
- Supplementation: A highly varied diet is essential for color. Offer a mix of vegetable matter (spirulina flakes, blanched spinach) and protein-rich frozen/live foods: Bloodworms, Daphnia, Mysis Shrimp, and Brine Shrimp.
- Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. They are surface feeders, so ensure the food does not sink too quickly.
Compatibility
- Caution: Their size and rapid activity can sometimes stress smaller, skittish species. Ensure they get enough food, as they are quick and competitive eaters.
- Good Tank Mates: Other peaceful fish of similar size that prefer mid-to-upper tank levels. Examples include other Rainbowfish species, Angelfish, Pearl Gouramis, peaceful Barbs (like Rosy Barbs), and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish.





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