Boesemani rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani · Melanotaeniidae
Also known as Boeseman's rainbow
Beginner
Half-orange, half-blue shoaler for hard water; colour takes a year to develop.
In short: A Boesemani rainbowfish needs at least 200 L (53 US gal), water at 24–30 °C (75–86 °F) and pH 7–8.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 6 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Adult size
- 11 cm (4.3 in)
- Group size
- 6+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Hardness
- 8–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, frozen brine shrimp.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Ayamaru lakes, West Papua
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Weedy, hard-water lakes
- Natural conditions
- Warm, hard, alkaline, plant-rich water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 6 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasBristlenose plecoLarger tetrasDenison barb
- Avoid
- Nano shrimpTimid slow fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males are deeper-bodied and far more colourful.
- Notes
- Daily egg-layer in spawning mops; fry need very fine food.
- Common ailments
- IchFungal infections in cool water
Will it fit your tank?
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