Yukasae Boesmani Rainbow

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The Yukasae Boesmani Rainbowfish is a selectively bred form of the Boesemani Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia boesemani, prized for its vibrant colouration and classic deep-bodied rainbowfish shape. Mature males can develop spectacular blue, turquoise, yellow and orange tones, particularly when displaying to females.

Boesemani Rainbowfish are active, peaceful schooling fish that make an excellent feature in larger planted community aquariums. They spend much of their time swimming through the middle and upper levels of the aquarium and look particularly impressive when maintained as a group.

This species is native to the Ayamaru Lakes region of West Papua, Indonesia. Wild populations are listed as Endangered, while aquarium-trade specimens are generally produced through captive breeding.

Provide plenty of open swimming space alongside plants and hardscape around the edges of the aquarium. Keeping a proper group also encourages natural social behaviour and allows males to display their best colours.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Melanotaenia boesemani
• Common Name: Yukasae Boesmani Rainbowfish
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Type: Freshwater rainbowfish
• Adult Size: Approximately 9–11 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Aquarium: 150 litres
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard
• Diet: Omnivore; quality flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods
• Tank Level: Middle and upper levels
• Group Size: 6 or more
• Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 years
• Suitable For: Peaceful community and planted aquariums
• Swimming Space: Large open areas recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Yukasae Boesmani Rainbowfish should I keep?

A group of six or more is recommended. Rainbowfish are social and generally display more natural behaviour when maintained in a proper group.

How large do Boesemani Rainbowfish grow?

They can reach around 10–11 cm, with males generally becoming larger and more intensely coloured than females.

What makes the Boesemani Rainbowfish so colourful?

Mature males develop intense colouration, particularly when displaying to females or competing with other males. Their characteristic colour transition from bluish at the front to orange/yellow towards the rear makes them particularly distinctive.

Can they be kept with other rainbowfish?

Yes. They can be kept with other peaceful rainbowfish of compatible size and temperament, provided the aquarium is large enough.

What should Yukasae Boesmani Rainbowfish eat?

They readily accept quality tropical flakes and pellets, with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp providing additional variety.

Are they suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. Plants around the sides and back provide cover while leaving plenty of open swimming space in the centre.

Common Mistakes

• Keeping only one or two Rainbowfish.
• Housing them in an aquarium without enough swimming space.
• Overcrowding the aquarium.
• Feeding a limited diet that lacks variety.
• Keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
• Neglecting regular water changes and filtration maintenance.