Boesemani Rainbow (Ballon/short body)

The Boesemani rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) comes from the Ayamaru lakes in the Bird's Head peninsula of West Papua, and adult males are split down the middle: the front half is a deep blue-grey, the back half a strong orange-red, with the change happening abruptly around the middle of the body. Young fish in the shop look silvery and unremarkable. The colour arrives with maturity and good conditions, so patience is part of the deal.

Aquarium care

• A medium rainbowfish that needs a long tank with swimming room.
• Peaceful, and social with its own kind.
• Keep six or more, with several females so males display rather than harass.
• Prefers hard, alkaline water, which suits Lethbridge tap water well.
• Active in the middle and upper levels.
• Omnivorous: quality flake, small pellets and frozen foods.

Excellent in a large community with other rainbowfish, larger tetras, barbs, corydoras and peaceful catfish. Very small nano fish may be intimidated by the constant movement.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current rainbows.