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Boesemani rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
Adult males have a blue front and orange rear; an active group needs a long swimming run.
- Adult length
- Up to 9 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness
- 8–20 dGH
- Native range
- Asia: known only from the Ajamaru Lakes region in Vogelkop Peninsula, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Also in the Aitinjo Lake, 20 km southeast of Ajamaru Lakes.
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits lakes in the headwaters of the Ajamaru River.
Keep at 24–28°C and 8–20 dGH. Consider swimming speed and feeding competition when choosing companions. Use a fitted lid to prevent jumping.
Appearance and identification
Females and juveniles are less colourful. An Ajamaru locality label alone does not distinguish this fish from M. ajamaruensis.
Same-species behaviour
Keep at least six.
Space requirements
Allow about 120cm or more of swimming length for adults.
Diet and feeding
Offer varied, appropriately sized flakes, small pellets and small animal foods; check that every fish feeds.
Compatibility limits
Watch feeding competition.
Aquarium environment
Retain swimming space outside planted areas.
Similar and related fish
Sources
www.aquariumcoop.com ↗ 2026-10-22
www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25
www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22