Boesemani Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
Also known as Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A large, showstopping rainbowfish with a blue front half that melts into orange. It is very peaceful but fast and skittish, so it needs a long tank, warm hard water and a good-sized shoal. Males display their finest colors in the company of rivals and females.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 29 US gal
- Footprint
- 47 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 81–86 °F
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness
- 10–20 dGH
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
- Min group
- 6 fish
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
Boesemani Rainbowfish care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 6 fish so they feel secure.
- Plan for a long tank. Adults are large, fast swimmers and need real length.
- Avoid tiny or slow fish, which its size and sudden movements can disturb.
- Check your water first. It needs warm, moderately hard water to thrive.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 29 US gallons.
Boesemani Rainbowfish tank mates and swim zone
Mid-Water
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Trichopodus leerii
Trichopodus trichopterus
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Boesemani Rainbowfish is much larger than Ember Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Paracheirodon innesi
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Danio margaritatus
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Boesemani Rainbowfish feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed quality flakes or pellets, which it takes without fuss.
- Offer live or frozen foods regularly to bring out the males' colors.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Mature males are larger, brighter and much deeper in the body than females.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Melanotaeniidae
- Native to
- Ajamaru Lakes, West Papua
- Adult size
- 4.3 in (11 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Moderate
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Will Eat Shrimp
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Moderate
Boesemani Rainbowfish FAQ
What size tank do Boesemani Rainbowfish need?
Our sourced minimum is 29 US gallons (108 liters), with a footprint of 120 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Boesemani Rainbowfish should I keep?
Keep at least 6 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Boesemani Rainbowfish?
Good matches on our list include Pearl Gourami, Blue Gourami and Cardinal Tetra. Avoid Neon Tetra and Zebra Danio.
How long do Boesemani Rainbowfish live?
Care guides report about 5–8 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Why are my rainbowfish so pale?
Young rainbowfish often look dull, and color develops with age. Good food, a healthy shoal and morning sunlight or bright lights all help.
Where to buy Boesemani Rainbowfish
We have not found a store that sells Boesemani Rainbowfish under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 29 US gallons (108 L), 120 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.