Boeseman's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)

Fish in the family Melanotaeniidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMelanotaenia boesemani

FamilyMelanotaeniidae

Also known asBoesemani Rainbow, Bicolor Rainbowfish

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful (active)

DietOmnivore

Adult size4.5 in

Minimum tank size50 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 9-19 dGH

Appearance

Striking two-tone body: front half blue-grey to purple, rear half orange-yellow, with vertical barring. Males more saturated; females duller.

Difficulty and care for the Boeseman's Rainbowfish

Easy

Origin and habitat

Indonesia (Lakes Ayamaru, Aitinjo, Hain — West Papua)

Keeper notes

Peaceful but very active; males display and spar harmlessly. Keep balanced sexes to spread chasing. Fast feeders may outcompete slow tankmates.

Log Boeseman's Rainbowfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Boeseman's Rainbowfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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