CheckMyFishTank

Boesemani Rainbowfish care

Melanotaenia boesemani · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Boesemani Rainbowfish, painted illustration

A gorgeous, active schooling fish with a blue front and orange back.

Smallest tank40 gallons
Adult size4 inches
Temperature75 to 82°F
pH7 to 8
GroupA group of 6 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives5 to 8 years
Watch for: They need a long tank and hard, neutral water.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Boesemani Rainbowfish in a 80 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Betta (Female)Betta (Male)Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBrilliant RasboraBristlenose PlecoBronze CorydorasBuenos Aires Tetra

Do not mix with

  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Boesemani Rainbowfish.
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Boesemani Rainbowfish need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Boesemani Rainbowfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Boesemani Rainbowfish.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Boesemani Rainbowfish.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Boesemani Rainbowfish.
  • Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Boesemani Rainbowfish.
  • Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Boesemani Rainbowfish.

Questions

What size tank does a Boesemani Rainbowfish need?

At least 40 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 4 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Boesemani Rainbowfish like?

75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Boesemani Rainbowfish should I keep together?

Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Boesemani Rainbowfish eat?

Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.