Boesemani Rainbowfish

Description

Boesemani Rainbowfish

One of the world's most iconic rainbowfish, famous for its stunning half-blue, half-orange body, peaceful nature, and spectacular schooling displays in larger aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Melanotaenia boesemani
  • Common name: Boesemani Rainbowfish
  • Adult size: 10–12 cm
  • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want one of the most colourful freshwater fish available.
  • You keep a large planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy active schooling fish.
  • You appreciate rainbowfish that become more colourful with age.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
  • You keep aggressive or highly territorial fish.
  • You plan on keeping only one or two individuals.
  • Your aquarium has limited swimming space.

Why choose Boesemani Rainbowfish?

The Boesemani Rainbowfish is considered by many to be the flagship species of the rainbowfish family. Mature males develop an unforgettable colour pattern, with an iridescent steel-blue front half blending seamlessly into a brilliant orange-gold rear half.

They are energetic, peaceful and constantly active, spending their day schooling together while males display their colours by flaring fins and competing harmlessly for the attention of females.

As they mature, their colours intensify dramatically, making them one of the finest centrepiece schooling fish for large freshwater aquariums.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping too few fish.
  • Housing them in undersized aquariums.
  • Providing insufficient swimming space.
  • Feeding a poor-quality diet.
  • Allowing water quality to deteriorate.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–30Β°C
  • pH: 7.0–8.0
  • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods and insects
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Large planted aquarium with open swimming areas, driftwood and a secure-fitting lid

Pairs perfectly with

  • Melanotaenia trifasciata
  • Glossolepis incisus
  • Madagascar Rainbowfish
  • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
  • Corydoras and other peaceful community fish
NTA Insight:
Boesemani Rainbowfish are one of those species that reward patience. Juveniles often look fairly ordinary, but mature males transform into living works of art. With excellent nutrition, clean water and a good-sized school, few freshwater fish can match their incredible blue-and-orange colouration.

FAQ

How many Boesemani Rainbowfish should I keep?

They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of 8–12 or more produce the best colours and most natural behaviour.

Are they suitable for community aquariums?

Yes. They are peaceful and mix well with other rainbowfish, larger tetras, Corydoras, peaceful barbs and many other community species.

Can they live with shrimp?

Due to their adult size, Boesemani Rainbowfish may eat dwarf shrimp and shrimplets. They are best suited to community aquariums without ornamental shrimp.

Can Boesemani Rainbowfish breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They readily spawn on spawning mops or fine-leaved plants, scattering adhesive eggs over several days. Eggs are best collected and raised separately for the highest survival rates.

Why aren't my Boesemani Rainbowfish brightly coloured yet?

Young fish and females are naturally less colourful. Mature males develop their famous blue-and-orange colouration over time with good genetics, quality nutrition, stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space.

Boesemani Rainbowfish

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Out of stock,  

$50.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Boesemani Rainbowfish

    One of the world's most iconic rainbowfish, famous for its stunning half-blue, half-orange body, peaceful nature, and spectacular schooling displays in larger aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Melanotaenia boesemani
    • Common name: Boesemani Rainbowfish
    • Adult size: 10–12 cm
    • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want one of the most colourful freshwater fish available.
    • You keep a large planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy active schooling fish.
    • You appreciate rainbowfish that become more colourful with age.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is under 180 litres.
    • You keep aggressive or highly territorial fish.
    • You plan on keeping only one or two individuals.
    • Your aquarium has limited swimming space.

    Why choose Boesemani Rainbowfish?

    The Boesemani Rainbowfish is considered by many to be the flagship species of the rainbowfish family. Mature males develop an unforgettable colour pattern, with an iridescent steel-blue front half blending seamlessly into a brilliant orange-gold rear half.

    They are energetic, peaceful and constantly active, spending their day schooling together while males display their colours by flaring fins and competing harmlessly for the attention of females.

    As they mature, their colours intensify dramatically, making them one of the finest centrepiece schooling fish for large freshwater aquariums.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping too few fish.
    • Housing them in undersized aquariums.
    • Providing insufficient swimming space.
    • Feeding a poor-quality diet.
    • Allowing water quality to deteriorate.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–30Β°C
    • pH: 7.0–8.0
    • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods and insects
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Large planted aquarium with open swimming areas, driftwood and a secure-fitting lid

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Melanotaenia trifasciata
    • Glossolepis incisus
    • Madagascar Rainbowfish
    • Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
    • Corydoras and other peaceful community fish
    NTA Insight:
    Boesemani Rainbowfish are one of those species that reward patience. Juveniles often look fairly ordinary, but mature males transform into living works of art. With excellent nutrition, clean water and a good-sized school, few freshwater fish can match their incredible blue-and-orange colouration.

    FAQ

    How many Boesemani Rainbowfish should I keep?

    They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of 8–12 or more produce the best colours and most natural behaviour.

    Are they suitable for community aquariums?

    Yes. They are peaceful and mix well with other rainbowfish, larger tetras, Corydoras, peaceful barbs and many other community species.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Due to their adult size, Boesemani Rainbowfish may eat dwarf shrimp and shrimplets. They are best suited to community aquariums without ornamental shrimp.

    Can Boesemani Rainbowfish breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They readily spawn on spawning mops or fine-leaved plants, scattering adhesive eggs over several days. Eggs are best collected and raised separately for the highest survival rates.

    Why aren't my Boesemani Rainbowfish brightly coloured yet?

    Young fish and females are naturally less colourful. Mature males develop their famous blue-and-orange colouration over time with good genetics, quality nutrition, stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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