Boesemans Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani

Boesemans Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm)
Aquarium size
53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
79–86°F (26–30°C)
pH
6.5–8
GH
10–20 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 8 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 26–30 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Boesemans Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Boesemans Rainbowfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 5+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Boesemans Rainbowfish get?

Boesemans Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm).

What aquarium size does Boesemans Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Boesemans Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Boesemans Rainbowfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Boesemans Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 26 to 30 °C.

Should Boesemans Rainbowfish be kept alone or in a group?

Boesemans Rainbowfish: Keep in a school of 5+.

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