Boesemani rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
Adult males show a bluish front half and orange rear half. An active group fish needing open swimming room and planted margins. Ensure quieter fish still obtain enough food.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Melanotaenia boesemani
- Dutch name
- Boesemans regenboogvis
- Water temperature
- 27–30 °C
- pH
- 7–8
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 11 cm SL
- Experience
- Basic knowledge
- General hardness (GH)
- 10–20 °dGH
- Starting footprint
- 120 × 30 cm
- Swimming or living zone
- Midwater
- Flow
- Moderate, with sheltered areas
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
New Guinea / Australasia, depending on species — Ayamaru / Papua
Habitat & setup
Vegetated freshwater habitats; provide plants and quiet refuges.
Diet
Varied fine pellets or flakes, supplemented with suitable frozen or live food.
Behaviour & grouping
Group, preferably 8–10 or more.
Living with other animals
Other active peaceful species in a spacious aquarium. Avoid slow or long-finned fish that may be chased or outcompeted.
Possible combinations to investigate further
- Dwarf neon rainbowfish
27–28 °C · pH 7–7.5
Reproduction
Egg-laying; eggs and fry usually need separate rearing.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
Photo: Melanotaenia_boesemani_Natural_History_Museum_University_of_Pisa.jpg — Mattia Nocciola. CC BY-SA 4.0.