Shop / Rainbowfish of Papua New Guinea
Boesemani Rainbow
Melanotaenia boesemani
| Size | Fish size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 2 - 2.5 inches | $10.00 |
| Medium | 2.5 inches | $11.00 |
| Large | 3 to 3.5 inches | $20.00 |
- Scientific name
- Melanotaenia boesemani
- Family
- Melanotaeniidae
- Origin
- Vogelkop Peninsula, Irian Jaya
- Planted tanks
- Compatible.
Care & water parameters
Contrary to some popular opinion, these Rainbows are very hardy provided you provide adequate space, good filtration (they thrive in planted tanks)and don't let the water get to hot (>84F). They will handle low temps better than most tropicals. The Category Group picture is from a temporary holding tank in our cichlid hatchery where the temp is 82F. These Rainbows prefer temperatures in the 72-78F range but will do very well with temps down to about 62F and up to about 84F. Hardness doesn't matter as much as temp as they are found in extremely soft and hard waters depending on the seasonal changes. PH should be kept between 6.5 and 7.5. These fish are omniverous and will thrive on a diet high in animal and vegetable proteins such as top quality flake feeds, and any form of live, dried or frozen brine shrimp.
About this fish
A beautiful lake dwelling larger (4 inces +) rainbow from western Irian Jaya. Boeseman's Rainbowfish is a very easy fish to keep and makes a striking display if kept in a group of about a dozen in a well planted tank. Males exhibit a striking color change with the front half of the body being blue or silver while the anterior half of the body is a bright orange/red. Females are slightly smaller and do not exhibit the color change from front to rear like the males.