Boesmani Rainbows

Boeseman's rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a vibrant freshwater species renowned for its split-color body and active schooling behavior. Native to West Papua, Indonesia, this fish is endangered in the wild and highly sought after for home aquariums.

Appearance and Size

• Males: Display a stunning bright blue or purple front half and a sunset orange or yellow back half.
• Females: Feature a more subdued silvery-grey, olive, or gold coloration, with faint yellow tones and a slim body.
• Length: Typically grow to about 3 to 4.5 inches (9 to 11.5 cm).
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5 to 8 years.

Natural Habitat and Conservation

• Origin: Endemic to the Ayamaru Lakes region and nearby waters in West Papua.
• Wild Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to over-collection and habitat loss. Most specimens available in stores are farm-bred.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Requires a spacious tank with a footprint of at least 4 feet long (40 to 55 gallons minimum) to accommodate their fast and active swimming behavior.
• Water Parameters: Thrives in:
  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
  • pH: 7.0–8.0
  • Hard, alkaline water
• Social Needs: Best kept in a school of at least 6 individuals to encourage natural behavior.
• Diet: Omnivorous; readily accept:
  • High-quality flakes and pellets
  • Frozen and live foods like brine shrimp

This stunning species is a lively and colorful addition to any aquarium, but its endangered wild status highlights the importance of purchasing captive-bred specimens.