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Boesemani rainbowfish - Melanotaenia boesemani
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
Profile updated according to the first comment.
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