(87) Boesemani Rainbowfish

The Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a vibrant, active, schooling fish from the Ayamaru Lakes region of Western New Guinea. Males are particularly colorful, with a bluish or purple head and a contrasting red-orange or yellow-orange tail half. They are a peaceful, hardy species, but require plenty of swimming space and a stable environment to thrive

• Tank Size: A minimum of a 55-gallon long aquarium (at least 4 feet in length) is recommended for a school of 6-8 fish. They are very active and need the horizontal space.
• Decor: They prefer tanks with dense vegetation along the back and sides and ample open swimming areas in the middle. Live plants that tolerate hard water (e.g., Anubias, Java Fern) and driftwood can be used. Floating plants can also help diffuse lighting.
• Filtration: A strong filtration system is necessary to maintain pristine water quality, as they are sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters.
• Maintenance: Regular weekly water changes of 25-30% are crucial. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as they are known jumpers. 

• Staple: High-quality flake, granule, or small pellet foods, including those with vegetable matter.
• Supplement: Live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mysis shrimp.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, as they have relatively small mouths. 

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males may spar with each other during breeding. Keeping a group of at least six, with a higher ratio of females to males, encourages natural schooling behavior and vibrant color displays.
• Tank Mates: Good companions include other similarly sized, peaceful, and active fish like other rainbowfish species, larger tetras, danios, rasboras, barbs, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with very small fish that could be eaten or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by their activity.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5–8 years, and sometimes longer.