The Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is one of the most iconic rainbowfish in the hobby, prized for its bold two-tone color—typically blue/purple in the front and orange/yellow in the back. Peaceful, active, and eye-catching, it’s a perfect centerpiece schooling fish for larger community aquariums.
Tank size: 40 gallons+ (larger tanks strongly recommended for groups)
Water parameters:
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 7.0–8.0
Hardness: soft to moderately hard
Social behavior:
Peaceful, schooling fish
Keep in groups of 6–10+ (male-heavy groups show the best color)
Tankmates:
Other rainbowfish
Peaceful tetras
Corydoras
Small gobies or loaches
Avoid: fin-nippers or aggressive cichlids.