Maximum size : 13 cm

Boesemans Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Boesemani : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Behold the mesmerizing beauty of the Boesemans Rainbowfish, (Melanotaenia Boesemani) a stunning and lively addition to any community aquarium. These majestic fish are known for their active and peaceful nature, making them ideal for any aquarium enthusiast looking to add a touch of vibrancy to their tank. To truly appreciate the Boeseman 's Rainbowfish, a shoal of at least six is recommended. Not only does this help to alleviate any nervousness, but it also creates a stunning display of male fish flaunting their best colors in pursuit of female attention. What 's more, these peaceful fish won 't bother smaller tankmates, thanks to their narrow mouths, making them a great fit with a variety of compatible species such as Danios, Tiger Barbs, large Tetras, and Rasboras. Even invertebrates like Assassin Snails and Ghost Shrimp can be added to the mix, adding a unique and delightful aesthetic to the tank. The Boeseman 's Rainbowfish thrives in a well-planted tank with an open swimming area, mimicking their natural habitat of dense vegetation. They also prefer slightly alkaline water, and it 's essential to provide clean, well-filtered water at all times, with a tight-fitting cover to prevent their accomplished jumping abilities from causing any mishaps. And let 's not forget the Boeseman 's Rainbowfish 's stunning appearance! With their deep indigo blue or purple front half and fiery red back half, highlighted by orange, yellow, and even some dark greens to blackish vertical stripes, these fish are a true sight to behold. Their fins are generally opaque and edged in white, adding a touch of elegance to their already mesmerizing appearance. In conclusion, the Boesemans Rainbowfish is a remarkable species that brings joy, vibrancy, and peacefulness to any aquarium. With their stunning appearance and friendly nature, they are sure to be a welcome addition to any community of fish.

Boesemans Rainbowfish Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is evident in Boesemans Rainbowfish, with distinct variations between males and females. Males tend to exhibit larger body size and more expansive, vibrant coloration than their female counterparts. During breeding, males display a striking mating band on their forehead and exhibit a substantially greater body size in comparison to females.

Male Female

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Melanotaenia Boesemani
Year Described	1980
Other Names	Boesemani Rainbowfish
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Atheriniformes
Family	Melanotaeniidae
Genus	Melanotaenia
Origins	Papua New Guinea Indonesia
Max Size	13 cm
Temperament	Peaceful
Aquarium Level	Middle - Top
Difficulty	Beginner
Shoaling	Yes
Best kept as	Groups 6+
Diet	Omnivore
Reproduction	Egg-Scatterer
Lifespan	6 - 8 years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
PH	6.5 - 8.0
GH	10 - 20
KH
TDS

Temperature
℉	79 - 86
℃	26 - 30

Natural Habitat

Boeseman 's Rainbowfish are native to the mountainous region of Vogelkop Peninsula in Western New Guinea. These remarkable fish inhabit the clear or swampy shallow, hard, alkaline waters of the Aitinjo, Hain, and Ayamaru lakes, which are densely vegetated, creating a unique and enchanting environment for these stunning fish. Sadly, the Boeseman 's Rainbowfish is listed as endangered on the IUCN red list due to environmental damage and over-harvesting. In response, local governments have implemented trade limitations to restrict over-harvesting and reduce mortality, ensuring the survival of this species for future generations to enjoy. Recreating the ideal environment for Boeseman 's Rainbowfish in your home aquarium requires a bit of effort, but the results are well worth it. With their vibrant colours and active personalities, Boeseman 's Rainbowfish are an excellent addition to any aquatic community. So why not take a plunge into the enchanting world of Western New Guinea 's aquatic life and discover the wonders of Boeseman 's Rainbowfish for yourself?

Breeding

Breeding Boesemani Rainbowfish in a home setting requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure successful reproduction. The most challenging aspect of the process is the raising of the fry, as it demands precise conditions and an appropriate diet. The optimal conditions for breeding Boesemani Rainbowfish necessitate a pH level of 7.5 and a temperature of approximately 82°F. A nutritious diet is also crucial to promote the fishes ' health and reproductive success. If the fish show no signs of spawning, it is advisable to raise the water temperature slightly as this may stimulate a natural trigger. It is essential to recognize when the egg-scatterers are ready to mate, with females appearing plump and males displaying to each other. Once a male has found a female, he will reveal his mating stripe and fertilize her eggs as they travel over planted areas. This pair will continue to spawn for several weeks, laying newly fertilized eggs each day. After 7 to 12 days, the eggs will hatch. Separating them from potential predators is essential as the parents rarely consume their offspring. Initially, feeding the fry with infusoria is recommended, gradually transitioning to slightly larger options like brine shrimp nauplii until they can consume an adult 's diet. Since the fry tend to remain near the surface of the water, sinking foods are not recommended. Ensuring proper conditions and nutrition are essential for successfully breeding and raising Boesemani Rainbowfish in a home aquarium setting.\r\n

Diet & feeding

In the home aquarium, Boeseman 's Rainbowfish will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish 's health and dietary requirements. Additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as mini bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide other benefits to your fish 's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish. This fish is an omnivore in the wild, consuming some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods consider this and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish 's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.

Boesemans Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Boesemani : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Boesemans Rainbowfish Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Quick Facts

Water Parameters

Natural Habitat

Breeding

Diet & feeding

Other Rainbowfish you maybe interested in

Ajamaru Rainbowfish

Aru Rainbowfish

Banded Rainbowfish

Barred Rainbowfish

Black Banded Rainbowfish

Bonti Rainbowfish

Profile Photo

Boesemans Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Boesemani : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Table of contents

Introduction

Boesemans Rainbowfish Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Quick Facts

Water Parameters

Natural Habitat

Breeding

Diet & feeding

Other Rainbowfish you maybe interested in

Ajamaru Rainbowfish

Aru Rainbowfish

Banded Rainbowfish

Barred Rainbowfish

Black Banded Rainbowfish

Bonti Rainbowfish