Boesemani Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani

Also sold as Bosemani · Boeseman's rainbowfish · Boesemani

Synonyms Boesemani rainbow

Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 12 cm (4.7 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 7–8, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 200 L (53 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	12 cm (4.7 in)
Minimum tank	200 L (53 gal)
Group size	6 or more
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	7–8
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	8–25
Lifespan	5–8 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Boesemani Rainbowfish needs at least 200 L (53 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 55 Gallon.
Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
A group of 6 takes up roughly 64% of what a 55 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 200 L (53 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 55 Gallon.

How many should I keep?

6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 7–8, GH 8–25.

How long does it live?

5–8 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Boesemani Rainbowfish	Turquoise Rainbowfish	Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
Adult size	12 cm	12 cm	6 cm
Min tank	200 L	108 L	80 L
Group	6+	6+	6+
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)	68–77°F (20–25°C)	73–82°F (23–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Boesemani Rainbowfish →

Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026