Boesemani Rainbow 2"

The Boeseman's rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is an exceptionally colourful species that is endemic to the Ayamaru Lakes and their tributaries in a mountainous region of the Bird's Head Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia. It is a very active fish that lives in schools and looks great in a planted aquarium. This fish is one of the best examples of its name, displaying an incredible variety of colour, especially as it matures to adulthood. As with most  larger rainbowfish, both males and females are very colourful, but mature males are deeper-bodied with the most intense coloration. 

Boeseman's  rainbowfish  is peaceful with most other fish species, although its size and activity can be intimidating to particularly shy fish. It is likely to prey on dwarf shrimp, but it is generally safe to keep with peaceful invertebrates that are too large to be considered prey. The most intense coloration will be displayed when this fish is kept in schools of 6 or more, including multiple males, in a planted, spacious aquarium to ensure that subdominant males are not overly harassed by dominant males. As with many rainbowfish, darker substrate will also often result in better coloration. 

While this fish will easily accept high quality dry foods, it should also be fed plenty of small frozen or live foods for optimal health and coloration.

What We Like About This Fish:

• Outstanding coloration that is nearly unrivaled by other species
• Active, schooling community fish that thrives in planted aquariums
• Compatible with most fish and many invertebrates
• Possible to breed in the aquarium
• Adaptable to a wide variety of water conditions

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature:  70° - 80° F (21° - 27° C)
• pH:  7.0 - 8.0
• KH:  8 - 20 dKH
• Minimum tank size:  55 gallons for a school of 6-8 adults

CARE GUIDELINES: 

• Diet:  Omnivorous.  High quality dry foods will be accepted, but should be supplemented often with frozen and live foods.
• Social behaviour:  Schooling/shoaling, and should be kept in as large of groups as possible. Peaceful with most other fish and invertebrates too large to be considered prey.