Boeseman's Rainbowfish — a Melanotaeniidae from 南美洲及菲律宾, peaceful but energetic; needs open swimming room. Reaches 6.8–9.9 cm; shoaling; 8+ in a long tank unlocks full colour. 27–30 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
27–30 °C
pH
7–8
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
6.8–9.9 cm
Minimum tank
118 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but energetic; needs open swimming room
Origin
南美洲及菲律宾
Species overview
Melanotaenia boesemani is a Melanotaeniidae from 南美洲及菲律宾. Its iridescence is honest signalling: colour and condition track water quality and age together. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6.8–9.9 cm. Shoaling; 8+ in a long tank unlocks full colour. Provide swimming length, clean hard water and a big school; patience does the rest. Maintain 27–30 °C at pH 7–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Shoaling; 8+ in a long tank unlocks full colour
Diet
Eager eater; varied diet maintains iridescence
Recommended tankmates
Robust peaceful cyprinids — Add motion without menace