Boeseman's rainbowfish
One place for everything Melanotaenia boesemani
For sale1
One place for everything Melanotaenia boesemani
1 Boeseman's rainbowfish currently for sale · averaging £20 · last listed today
Also known as: boesemani rainbows · boesmani rainbows · melonataenia bosemani red · boesmani rainbow fish · boesemani rainbow fish · boesemani rainbow · boesemani rainbowfish
Overview:
The Jantan Boesemani Rainbowfish (“Jantan” meaning “male” in Indonesian/Malay) is a vibrantly colored freshwater fish, prized for its brilliant split coloration—a glowing blue front half fading into a fiery orange or yellow back. Males exhibit the most intense colors, especially when kept in groups or during courtship. Active, peaceful, and hardy, Boesemani Rainbows are a favorite centerpiece in planted and community aquariums.
Origin:
Endemic to Lake Ayamaru and Lake Hain in the Bird’s Head Peninsula of West Papua (Indonesia). In the wild, they thrive in clear, alkaline freshwater lakes with dense vegetation.
Feeding:
Omnivorous and enthusiastic eaters. Feed a varied diet of high-quality flake or micro pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Supplement with vegetable-based flakes or spirulina to maintain vibrant color.
Tank Mates:
Peaceful and best kept in schools of 6 or more, which enhances color and reduces stress. Ideal tank mates include other rainbowfish, danios, rasboras, Corydoras, and peaceful livebearers. Avoid slow or long-finned fish that may be outcompeted for food.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.0
Moderately hard water
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (larger is better for schools)
Prefers open swimming areas with planted edges
Behavior & Personality:
Active mid-to-top level swimmer
Males are more colorful and slightly larger than females
Social, schooling, and very interactive in groups
Special Notes:
Coloration intensifies with age, good diet, and clean water
Performs best in well-maintained, oxygen-rich tanks
Regular water changes and a stable environment are key
Excellent for aquascaped or biotope-style community tanks
The Jantan Boesemani Rainbowfish is a true showstopper, offering energy, vivid color, and peaceful schooling behavior in one beautifully compact package. Perfect for hobbyists looking to elevate their tank with one of the most iconic rainbowfish species in the hobby.
