boesemani rainbow

The Boesemani Rainbowfish is one of the most recognisable and popular freshwater rainbowfish, famous for its spectacular two-tone colouration. Mature males typically develop a brilliant blue to purple front half that transitions into vibrant yellow, orange, or golden colouration towards the rear of the body.

Boesemani Rainbows are active, peaceful schooling fish that make an impressive feature in medium to large community and planted aquariums. Their colouration becomes increasingly vibrant as they mature, particularly when maintained in a healthy group with excellent water quality and a varied diet.

• Common Name: Boesemani Rainbowfish
• Scientific Name: Melanotaenia boesemani
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Adult Size: Approximately 10–12 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful and active
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 150 litres+
• Temperature: Approximately 24–28°C
• pH: Approximately 7.0–8.0
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Aquarium Level: Middle to upper levels
• Social Behaviour: Schooling / shoaling species
• Recommended Group: At least 6, with larger groups preferred
• Lifespan: Approximately 5–8+ years with appropriate care

Feeding

Boesemani Rainbowfish are enthusiastic feeders and should be offered a varied, high-quality diet. Quality tropical or rainbowfish flakes, pellets, or granules can form the staple diet.

Supplement regularly with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods. Foods containing natural carotenoids can also help support their vibrant yellow and orange colouration.

Feed appropriate portions once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding.

Aquarium Care

Boesemani Rainbows are highly active swimmers and require plenty of open swimming space. A longer aquarium is preferred, with live plants, driftwood, and rocks positioned around the sides and rear while leaving a large open area for schooling.

Good filtration, regular partial water changes, and well-oxygenated water are important. Gentle to moderate circulation is generally suitable.

They make excellent community fish when housed with similarly sized, peaceful species. Avoid very small, timid, or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by their energetic behaviour.

A secure aquarium lid is strongly recommended, as Rainbowfish are capable jumpers.

Colour & Appearance

Young Boesemani Rainbowfish may initially appear relatively plain compared with mature specimens. Their famous blue-and-yellow colouration develops as they grow, with mature males generally displaying the strongest colours.

Colour intensity can vary according to age, sex, genetics, diet, lighting, social conditions, stress, and overall aquarium health.

Shipping

• Australia-wide shipping available where permitted
• Fish are carefully packed for safe transport
• Local pickup available by appointment from Fins 'N' Feathers
• Shipping availability may depend on destination, weather conditions, fish size, and applicable biosecurity restrictions

Live Arrival

Please inspect livestock immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue with your order, contact us as soon as possible in accordance with our live arrival policy and provide clear photos of the fish in its unopened transport bag where applicable.

Actual size, colour intensity, body shape, and finnage may vary between individual fish due to age, sex, genetics, stress, and environmental conditions.