Boesemani Rainbowfish (5-6cm)

The Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a stunning, colorful freshwater fish native to the lakes and rivers of Indonesia, particularly from West Papua’s Ayamaru, Aitinjo, and Ajamaru Lakes. They are popular among aquarists for their vibrant colors, hardy nature, and active swimming behavior. Here’s a basic guide to caring for Boesemani Rainbowfish:

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Boesemani Rainbowfish are active swimmers and thrive in tanks of at least 100 litres, though larger is recommended for a group.
• Schooling Fish: They are social and should be kept in groups of 6 to 8 to reduce stress and display natural behaviour.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-28°C
  • pH: 7.0-8.0 (they prefer slightly alkaline water)
  • Hardness: Moderate to hard (8-15 dGH)

Tank Setup

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is suitable.
• Plants and Decor: They appreciate planted tanks with open swimming areas. Include hardy plants like Java fern, Anubias, or Vallisneria, as they can tolerate alkaline conditions.
• Filtration: A good filtration system is crucial to maintain high water quality. They are sensitive to poor water quality and need stable conditions.

Diet

Boesemani Rainbowfish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet:

• Staple Food: High-quality pellet food.
• Supplementary: Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia can enhance their colour and overall health.
• Vegetable Matter: Include spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach) occasionally.

 Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: They are generally peaceful but can be somewhat territorial with each other, especially during breeding or in smaller groups.
• Tank Mates: Compatible with other peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, and small barbs. Avoid housing with aggressive or very small fish.

Health and Maintenance

• Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential for maintaining water quality.
• Common Health Issues: They can be prone to bacterial infections if water quality is poor. Watch for signs like fin rot or sluggishness.

Breeding

Breeding Boesemani Rainbowfish can be challenging but rewarding:

• Sexing: Males are more colorful, especially when in breeding condition, with deep blue fronts and bright orange-red rears.
• Spawning Setup: Separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH around 7.0). Add fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.
• Breeding Behavior: Males perform a display to attract females, and eggs are usually scattered on plants or the mop. Remove the adults after spawning to protect the eggs.

With proper care, Boesemani Rainbowfish can live up to 5-8 years in captivity, providing years of beauty and enjoyment in the aquarium.

PLEASE NOTE:

All pictures shown are for illustration purpose only. Actual fish may vary depending on size and variety of species.