How difficult is it to keep Boesemani Rainbowfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Boesemani Rainbowfish?

The ideal temperature for Boesemani Rainbowfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Boesemani Rainbowfish?

The average lifespan of Boesemani Rainbowfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Boesemani Rainbowfish get?

Boesemani Rainbowfish typically reaches 8-12cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Boesemani Rainbowfish?

Boesemani Rainbowfish feeds on: Pellets, Frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Boesemani Rainbowfish?

The price of Boesemani Rainbowfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Boesemani Rainbowfish

Intermediate

Melanotaenia boesemani

A vivid rainbowfish with blue front half and orange back half. Spectacular when schooling.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

8-12cm

Diet

Pellets, Frozen food

About

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. 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)

Lifespan of the Boesemani Rainbowfish

The Boesemani Rainbowfish lives 5-8 years.

Size of the Boesemani Rainbowfish

The Boesemani Rainbowfish grows to 8-12cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Boesemani Rainbowfish

The ideal temperature for the Boesemani Rainbowfish is 24〜28℃.

Slightly alkaline, moderately hard water (pH 7.0–8.0) at 24–28°C is recommended.

Basic Info

Origin

lakes of the Ayamaru region, West Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia

Care Specifications

pH: 7–8
Hardness (GH): 9–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–28℃
Min. Tank: 110 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Melanotaenia boesemani Allen & Cross, 1980

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN EN · Endangered

Wild populations are Endangered due to overharvesting and habitat degradation. Most individuals in the trade are captive-bred.

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.