Boesemani Rainbowfish

Boeseman's rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani

Native Location: Indonesia

Climate: Tropical

Size: 11cm 

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore 

Breeding: Moderate

Temperature Range: 27-30℃ (81-86℉)

Preferred pH Range: 7.0-8.0

Minimum Aquarium Size: 100l+

Potential Tankmates: Danios, Barbs, Corydoras and some Rift Lake Cichlids. 

Care Level: Moderate

This iconic Rainbowfish is probably the most recognisable Rainbowfish in the hobby. Sadly due to its popularity in the earlier days, it is now almost vanished from the wild. Now present on the IUCN red list, all fish sold in the trade are produced by fish farms. You only have to take one look at them to see why they became such popular fish.

A healthy diet is key to achieving beautiful colours and a mixture of dry, live and frozen foods, for a period of at least 12 months will result in beautiful and healthy rainbowfish. The ideal aquarium should be large enough to house a group of at least 6-to 8 to reduce their nervousness. Additionally, the use of aquatic plants to provide refuge will encourage a more confident group of fish.

Breeding Boesemani Rainbowfish is not a difficult task however, the challenge begins when trying to raise the fry. The parents are natural egg scatterers and ideally should be placed in a dedicated aquarium as soon as they are ready. Males will become vibrant and will display to other males as much as possible and a female ready to spawn will appear plumper than the others.

All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat for any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy.  All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.