Boeseman's AKA Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)

Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)

The Boesemani Rainbowfish is a stunning and highly popular species, prized for its striking blue and orange coloration and active schooling behaviour.

Native to Ajamaru Lakes in Indonesia, this species naturally lives in large groups among dense vegetation, making it an excellent choice for planted aquariums. Floating plants and darker substrates will help bring out their best colours.

As they mature, males develop intense, vibrant colours, especially when displaying or competing with other males. Females share the same pattern, though with more subtle tones.

Note: Our specimens are juveniles and will develop full colour as they grow.

Behaviour & Compatibility

Boesemani Rainbowfish are peaceful, active, and social, best kept in schools of 6 or more, ideally with multiple males to encourage natural behaviour and colour display.

• Compatible with most similar-sized community fish
• May eat very small shrimp fry
• Adult dwarf shrimp may be safe
• Larger invertebrates (Amano, Bamboo, Vampire shrimp) are suitable

Providing a spacious, well-planted tank helps reduce aggression between males and ensures a healthy social structure.

Tank Setup

• Best suited to larger planted aquariums
• Appreciates dense planting and floating plants
• Colours intensify over darker substrates
• Requires clean, well-maintained water
• Plenty of open swimming space is essential

Feeding

Boesemani Rainbowfish are omnivores and easy to feed:

• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Supplement regularly with frozen or live foods for best colour and health

Why You’ll Love Them

• Brilliant blue and orange adult coloration
• Active schooling fish
• Great for planted aquariums
• Peaceful and community-friendly
• Easy to feed and care for

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 27 – 30°C
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• KH: 10 – 20 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 150L (40 gallons)

Care Summary

• Diet: Omnivore – varied diet recommended
• Social Behaviour: Schooling; best in larger groups
• Origin: Tank-bred (native to Ajamaru, Indonesia)
• Adult Size: 8 – 11 cm (3.2 – 4.4 inches)
• Typical Purchase Size: 3.8 – 5 cm