
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Melanotaenia boesemani
A vivid rainbowfish with blue front half and orange back half. Spectacular when schooling.
Boeseman's rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a medium-sized rainbowfish endemic to a very limited range of lakes in the Ayamaru region of West Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, including Lakes Ayamaru, Aitinjo, and Hain. Growing to 8–12 cm, it is arguably the most dramatically colored of all rainbowfishes: the front half of the body is vivid blue-purple to indigo, while the rear half transitions abruptly into brilliant orange to yellow — a bicolor pattern of striking intensity. Males display richer coloration and deeper body profiles. Slightly alkaline, moderately hard water (pH 7.0–8.0) at 24–28°C is recommended. An active open-water swimmer, it needs a minimum 60-cm aquarium; keeping multiple males together intensifies their competitive color displays. Peaceful and community-compatible, it accepts a varied omnivorous diet. Due to its extremely restricted wild range and habitat pressures, wild populations are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; almost all commercially available specimens are responsibly captive-bred.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
lakes of the Ayamaru region, West Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
8-12cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Pellets, Frozen food
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
野生個体群は乱獲・生息地劣化で Endangered。流通の多くは養殖。
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0-8.0)
Maintain 24-28°C
Schooling of 5+ is beautiful
Male coloring takes time to mature
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Boesemani Rainbowfish is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Boesemani Rainbowfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Boesemani Rainbowfish typically reaches 8-12cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Boesemani Rainbowfish feeds on: Pellets, Frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Boesemani Rainbowfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026