Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)

The Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a stunning and peaceful freshwater fish native to the lakes and streams of West Papua, Indonesia. Known for its spectacular blue-purple front body, bright yellow-orange rear coloration, and elegant fins, this active schooling fish is a popular choice for larger planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

Active, peaceful, and relatively easy to care for, the Boesemani Rainbowfish looks especially impressive when kept in a proper group. Its vibrant colors become more pronounced as the fish mature, with good water quality, a varied diet, and suitable aquarium lighting helping to maintain its best appearance.

What We Like About This Fish

• Striking blue-purple and yellow-orange coloration
• Beautiful color contrast between the front and rear body
• Peaceful and active community fish
• Excellent schooling behavior
• Ideal for spacious planted and natural-style aquariums
• Relatively easy to care for
• Looks best when kept in a proper group

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Tank Size: Minimum 150 liters (40 gallons)
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard
• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

A well-planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming space, and areas of dense vegetation provides an ideal environment for Boesemani Rainbowfish. Because they are active swimmers, a longer aquarium with plenty of open space is recommended.

Care Guidelines

Diet: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet of high-quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Small, regular meals help maintain good health, growth, and vibrant coloration.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and social. Boesemani Rainbowfish should be kept in groups of at least 6, with larger groups providing more natural schooling behavior and increased confidence. They are suitable for peaceful community aquariums with similarly sized, active tank mates.

Origin

Oceania – West Papua, Indonesia

Average Adult Size

Approximately 10–12 cm (4–4.7 inches)

Average Purchase Size

Approximately 4–6 cm (1.5–2.4 inches)

Schooling Fish

Yes. Boesemani Rainbowfish are social schooling fish and should ideally be kept in groups of 6 or more.

Shrimp Safe

Mostly yes with adult shrimp. They may coexist with larger adult shrimp, but their size and active feeding behavior mean that very small shrimp and shrimplets may be eaten.

The Boesemani Rainbowfish is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a peaceful, colorful, and active schooling fish. With a suitable group, spacious aquarium, good water quality, and a varied diet, these spectacular rainbowfish can become a centerpiece of a community aquarium.