Boesemani Rainbowfish

Name: Boesemani Rainbowfish
Brand: Apex Aquatic
Price: 45.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$45.00

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Every fish passes through our dedicated quarantine system and strict biosecurity monitoring before sale - so it arrives healthy, settled and ready to thrive. How we quarantine →

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Description

About the Boesemani Rainbowfish

The Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is one of the most iconic and colourful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Instantly recognisable by its striking half-blue, half-orange body, this spectacular species is native to the lakes of West Papua, Indonesia, and is highly prized for its vibrant colours, peaceful temperament and active schooling behaviour.

Boesemani Rainbowfish thrive when kept in schools of six or more, where males display their brightest colours while competing for attention. Their constant movement and shimmering colours make them a stunning centrepiece in larger planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

A spacious aquarium with open swimming areas, dense planting around the edges and high-quality filtration provides the ideal environment. These hardy omnivores readily accept premium flakes, pellets, frozen foods and live foods, with a varied diet helping to enhance their brilliant colouration.

Suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists, the Boesemani Rainbowfish is an outstanding choice for anyone wanting a vibrant, energetic and peaceful schooling fish that brings life and colour to any freshwater aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Melanotaenia boesemani

Common Name

Boesemani Rainbowfish

Origin

West Papua, Indonesia

Adult Size

10–12 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

200 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

6.5–8.0

Water Hardness

8–20 dGH

Difficulty

Easy

Lifespan

5–8 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, peaceful community aquariums and large display tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Boesemani Rainbowfish suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are hardy, adaptable and relatively easy to care for, provided they are kept in a spacious aquarium with stable water quality and regular maintenance.

How many Boesemani Rainbowfish should be kept together?

They should be kept in schools of at least six fish. Larger groups encourage natural schooling behaviour and allow males to display their best colours.

What do Boesemani Rainbowfish eat?

They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet of quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, along with occasional live foods.

Can Boesemani Rainbowfish live in a community aquarium?

Absolutely. They are peaceful and compatible with most similarly sized community fish, including larger tetras, Corydoras, peaceful barbs, gouramis and other rainbowfish.

Are Boesemani Rainbowfish suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. They thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming areas and dense planting around the edges, allowing them to school freely while feeling secure.

Do Boesemani Rainbowfish breed easily?

Yes. Given excellent water quality and a nutritious diet, they readily spawn among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs should be separated from adults to maximise fry survival.

Common Mistakes

Keeping Them in Small Groups

Boesemani Rainbowfish are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups. Small numbers can result in stress, timid behaviour and dull colouration.

Providing Too Little Swimming Space

These active fish require long aquariums with plenty of open water to swim comfortably. Cramped tanks can reduce activity and overall health.

Feeding Only Dry Foods

Although they readily accept dry foods, supplementing with frozen and live foods enhances colour, health and breeding condition.

Keeping With Aggressive Tank Mates

Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish that may stress the school and damage their fins.

Poor Water Maintenance

Stable water parameters and regular water changes are essential to maintain vibrant colours and prevent disease.

Buying Too Few Males and Females

A mixed-sex group encourages natural display behaviour, with males showing their most intense colours when competing for females.

Shipping & delivery

This product is for in-store purchase only. Available for in-store pickup.

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Returns

We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.

Care & quarantine

This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.

How we quarantine →