Bosemain rainbow

Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani):

• Appearance: Famous for its “half-and-half” look. The front half of the body is typically a bluish-purple, while the back half is a vibrant orange or yellow. Males are much more colorful than females.

• Size: They grow to about 3 – 4.5 inches (8 – 11 cm).

• Lifespan: Usually lives for 5 – 8 years with good care.

• Water Temperature: Prefers 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F).

• pH Level: They prefer slightly alkaline water, ideally between 7.0 – 8.0.

• Diet: Omnivorous and energetic eaters. They thrive on high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen treats like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

• Temperament: Very active and peaceful. They are social fish and should be kept in schools.

• Tank Setup: They need a larger tank (minimum 30–40 gallons) because they are fast swimmers. A planted tank with open space in the middle for swimming is perfect.

Pro Tip: To see their best colors, keep them in a group of at least 6 or more (with a mix of males and females). Their colors often intensify during the morning hours or when they are competing for a mate!