Boesemani Rainbowfish – Melanotaenia boesemani
Boesemani Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia Boesemani are kept in environments that resemble their natural habitats in the wild. Sand substrate with elements of driftwood and aquatic plants would help mimic their natural environment.
Shaped like a typical rainbow, their bodies are long and feature an arched back with a narrow head. Their eyes are fairly large and have two dorsal fins.
The back of the fish will boast fiery red with orange and yellow highlighting. The front portion of these fish will be deep purple or indigo blue. The two colors come together at mid-point with a few green or blackish vertical stripes. The female will appear to have similar color markings but less bold in color with more of a silver tone. Fins are opaque and yellow with white outlines.
More About The Boesemani Rainbowfish
Common Names: Boesemani Rainbowfish, Boeseman’s Rainbowfish, Bicolor Rainbow
Scientific Name: Melanotaenia boesemani
Size: 4 inches / 9 cm
Natural Habitat: Southeast Asia, Thailand – in tributaries and waters of Lakes Ayamaru, Hain, and Aitinjo. They live in shallow, swampy areas that feature vegetation and will feed on small crustaceans, vegetation and insects.
Ideal Tank: Boesemani Rainbowfish — Melanotaenia Boesemani are a very popular aquarium fish. They don’t require anything complicated. They make a peaceful community aquarium fish and would be perfect in a planted tank. In captivity, it is necessary to give rainbowfish a longer aquarium with a variety of aquatic plants. They are well known as jumpers so your fish tank should be a covered tank.
Aquarium Size: 50 to 60 gallon aquarium is recommended as rainbowfish are large and active swimmers. For a good school of boesemani, it would require a 150 gallon tank.
Tank Mates: Molly’s, Guppies, Platys and Tetras. Peaceful community fish.
Care Level: Beginner+
Aquarium Water Temperature: 23 – 32°C / 73 – 89°F
Aquarium Water pH: Range pH 4.5 – 7.5
What Do I Feed My Boesemani Rainbowfish?
Omnivorous. Rainbows should be fed once or twice a day. Be careful not to overfeed. All the food should be consumed after a few minutes. If there are any leftover foods in the aquarium it needs to be removed. If it is left in the water, it will cause problems with the water and fish conditions in your tank. Using a fine mesh net would do the trick.
Flake food diet is a great base diet for the Rainbowfish. They are able to live on flake food alone, but live food makes the Rainbow better nourished which makes them healthier and more vibrant. Live or frozen Brine Shrimp, bloodworms, fruit flies, microworms, mosquito larvae, daphnia and diced Earthworms are suitable foods for your Rainbow.
Other Considerations:
While young Rainbowfish are stunning, they develop their really vibrant colors as they grow. A rainbowfish aquarium set up would make a beautiful conversation piece in any room or office. Truly a stunning, fun to watch fish!