Boesemans Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Boesemani : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Boeseman's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia Boesemani) is a vibrant and highly sought-after species in the aquarium hobby, renowned for its striking dual-coloration that blends a deep blue anterior with a fiery orange posterior. Native to the serene freshwater habitats of West Papua, Indonesia this species exhibits a remarkable adaptability to a range of water conditions, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists. The Boeseman's Rainbowfish is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also its lively and peaceful temperament, making it an excellent candidate for community tanks.
To truly appreciate the Boeseman's Rainbowfish, a shoal of at least six is recommended. Not only does this help to alleviate any nervousness, but it also creates a stunning display of male fish flaunting their best colours in pursuit of female attention. What's more, Boesmani Rainbowfish are gentle with smaller tank companions due to their slender mouths, making them compatible with a diverse range of species such as Danios, Tiger Barbs, larger Tetras, and Rasboras. They coexist peacefully with invertebrates, including Assassin Snails and Ghost Shrimp, contributing to the tank's unique and engaging visual appeal.
Boesemans Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is evident in Boeseman's Rainbowfish, with distinct variations between males and females. Males tend to exhibit larger body sizes and more expansive, vibrant colouration than their female counterparts. During breeding, males display a striking mating band on their forehead and exhibit a substantially greater body size in comparison to females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia Boesemani |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1980 |
| Other Names | Boesemani Rainbowfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Melanotaenia |
| Origins | Papua New Guinea , Indonesia |
| Max Size | 13 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 20 |
| ℉ | 79 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 26 - 30 |
Natural Habitat
Boeseman's Rainbowfish originate from the mountainous areas of the Vogelkop Peninsula in Western New Guinea, dwelling in the pristine or marshy, shallow, mineral-rich, alkaline waters of Lakes Aitinjo, Hain, and Ayamaru. These habitats are richly vegetated, offering a captivating backdrop for these visually striking fish.
Regrettably, the species finds itself on the IUCN Red List as endangered, a status attributed to environmental degradation and excessive harvesting. To combat this, local authorities have enforced trade restrictions to curb over-harvesting and decrease mortality rates, aiming to preserve this species for future appreciation. While replicating their optimal living conditions in an aquarium setting demands diligence, the endeavor is rewarding, allowing these extraordinary fish to thrive in captivity.
Breeding
Breeding Boeseman's Rainbowfish in a home setting requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure successful reproduction. The most challenging aspect of the process is the raising of the fry, as it demands precise conditions and an appropriate diet. The optimal conditions for breeding Boesemani Rainbowfish necessitate a pH level of 7.5 and a temperature of approximately 82°F.
A nutritious diet is also crucial to promote the fish's health and reproductive success. If the fish show no signs of spawning, it is advisable to raise the water temperature slightly, as this may stimulate a natural trigger. It is essential to recognize when the egg-scatterers are ready to mate, with females appearing plump and males displaying to each other.
Once a male has found a female, he will reveal his mating stripe and fertilize her eggs as they travel over planted areas. This pair will continue to spawn for several weeks, laying newly fertilized eggs each day. After 7 to 12 days, the eggs will hatch. Separating them from potential predators is essential as the parents rarely consume their offspring.
Initially, feeding the fry with infusoria is recommended, gradually transitioning to slightly larger options like brine shrimp nauplii until they can consume an adult's diet. Since the fry tends to remain near the surface of the water, sinking foods are not recommended. Ensuring proper conditions and nutrition are essential for successfully breeding and raising Boesemani Rainbowfish in a home aquarium setting.
Diet & Feeding
In the home aquarium, Boeseman's Rainbowfish will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes, and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements. Additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as mini bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide other benefits to your fish's health and well-being but are not a must for this fish. This fish is an omnivore in the wild, consuming some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods consider this and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
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