Boesemani rainbowfish - Melanotaenia boesemani

Scientific name: Melanotaenia boesemani

Common name: Boesemani rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and Feeding

Boesemani Rainbowfish require a highly varied diet to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health. Offer a mix of:

High-quality flake food and pellets
Live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
Frozen foods such as daphnia and mysis shrimp
Vegetable matter (blanched spinach, spirulina flakes)

Feeding a mix of these foods will help maintain their striking blue and orange hues while supporting long-term health.

Origin

Boesemani Rainbowfish are endemic to the western part of Western New Guinea. They inhabit clear freshwater lakes and slow-moving streams with a rich supply of aquatic plants.

Sexing

Males are more brightly colored than females, especially towards the rear of their bodies. Females tend to be slightly smaller and have a duller coloration.

Breeding

Boesemani Rainbowfish are relatively easy to breed in captivity. Follow these steps:

Tank setup: Use a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water.
Spawning sites: Provide spawning mops or fine-leaved plants like Java moss.
Ratio: Keep 2-3 females per male to encourage breeding.
Spawning behavior: Males display a white patch on their head when ready to breed.
Egg care: Unlike other species, Boesemani Rainbowfish typically do not eat their eggs if well-fed.
Hatching: Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks, and fry can be fed Infusoria or finely crushed flakes.

Lifespan

Boesemani Rainbowfish typically live 5-8 years with proper care.

Tank Mates

Boesemani Rainbowfish are peaceful and do well in community aquariums. Suitable tankmates include:

Avoid aggressive species like Oscars or fin-nipping fish.

Suitable Plants

Boesemani Rainbowfish thrive in well-planted tanks. Recommended plants include:

Plants provide shelter, reduce stress, and maintain water quality.

Short Description

Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) are one of the most sought-after rainbowfish species due to their striking coloration and active swimming behavior. They require plenty of swimming space and clean, well-filtered water. Due to their popularity in the aquarium trade, they are now classified as endangered in the wild, making it crucial to purchase captive-bred specimens.