Scientific name: Melanotaenia boesemani

Common name: Boesemani rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

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Food and feeding

Boesemani rainbowfish need a varied diet, if only dry foods are offered they may lose some of their coloration. Add meaty foods like brine shrimp and blood worm as well.

Origin

Boesemani Rainbow fish live in the western part of Western new Guinea.

Sexing

The males tend to be more brightly colored than the females; this is more noticeable on the rear of the body.

Breeding

Plants and spawning mops should be added to the breeding tank, 2-3 females is the normal ratio to one male. When ready to spawn the male will display a white area on it’s head. The eggs will be scattered on the plants and mops, with this species there is no need to separate the parents as they will not eat their eggs if fed well on their normal diet. The eggs should hatch after 2 weeks and the fry should be fed on Infusoria or crushed flake.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan is 5 years.

Short description

Due to the popularity of this species in the aquarium trade, it is now classed as endangered so exporting of specimens is now limited. Being such an easy species to breed, tank bred fish are more often than not sold in the trade