Bosemani Rainbow (2”)

Scientific Name:

Melanotaenia boesemani

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 4.5-5 inches (11–12 cm)

• Lifespan: Around 5 to 8 years, sometimes longer with excellent care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 30-40 gallons (114 liters) for a small group ~3-6

• Preferably a longer tank (36" or more) to allow ample swimming space, as they are active mid-water swimmers

Water Changes and Care:

• Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.8–8.0 

• Water Change: At least 30–50% weekly to maintain excellent water quality

• Care Level: Moderate – relatively hardy but needs stable water parameters and group dynamics

Tankmates:

Boesemani Rainbows are peaceful and do best in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. Good tankmates include:

• Other rainbowfish species, Corydoras catfish, Tetras (larger ones like lemon or black skirt), Smaller barbs , Rasboras, Gouramis, Livebearers (swordtails, mollies, platies), Angelfish, Severum, Geophagus, Plecos

Avoid aggressive or very large predatory species. They do best in groups of at least 6 to prevent stress and promote natural schooling behavior and color display.

Diet:

• Omnivorous – needs a varied diet

• Staple foods: Xtreme Nice Pellets and Community Crave Flakes

• Supplement with:

  • Frozen (brine shrimp and bloodworms)
    

  • Spirulina-based foods

Feed 1–2 times daily, only as much as they can consume in 2–3 minutes. Fast 1 day a week to avoid bloating

Overview:

Boesemani Rainbowfish are highly sought after for their vibrant two-tone coloration — a deep bluish front fading into bright yellow or orange toward the tail. Males are more colorful and slightly larger than females. Their active schooling behavior and shimmering color shifts make them ideal centerpiece fish in a planted community tank.

Natural Environment:

• Origin: Endemic to Aytinjo Lake and surrounding tributaries in West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Indonesia

• Habitat: Clear, slightly alkaline, hard-water lakes and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation and submerged wood

• The environment is threatened by habitat destruction, so responsible sourcing from captive-bred populations is crucial

Breeding:

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterers

• Best Practice:

  • Use a separate breeding tank (20–30 gallons) with Java moss or spawning mops

  • Condition male and female with live foods

  • Spawning usually occurs in the morning

  • Eggs hatch in 7–12 days depending on temperature

  • Remove parents after spawning to avoid egg predation

  • Feed fry live baby brine shrimp as they grow you can offer crushed flakes/pellets

Breeding groups (1 male with 2–3 females) help reduce aggression and improve spawning success.