Boeseman's Rainbowfish Care Guide
The Boeseman's rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a colourful and active freshwater fish popular in the UK. Known for its striking half-blue, half-orange body coloration, it's one of the most recognisable rainbowfish species in the aquarium hobby.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Boeseman's rainbowfish care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Boeseman's rainbowfish are fast-swimming shoaling fish native to Indonesia. Mature males develop intense colouration, especially in well-maintained aquariums with a varied diet.
They are peaceful, energetic, and best suited to spacious community tanks.
Melanotaenia boesemani
8-12 cm
Indonesia (West Papua)
150L+ (40gal)
5-8 years
Peaceful, active, shoaling
24-28°C
Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen, live foods)
7.0-8.0
£6-£15 per fish
How Many Boeseman's Rainbowfish Should You Keep?
Boeseman's rainbowfish are shoaling fish and should always be kept in groups.
- Minimum group size of 6
- Groups of 8-10+ are ideal
- Keep more females than males to reduce chasing behaviour
Keeping too few can lead to:
- Stress and nervous behaviour
- Reduced colouration
- Aggression between males
In larger groups, they display stronger colours and more natural behaviour.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Providing the right environment helps these fish thrive and show their best colours.
- Tank Setup: Spacious aquarium with open swimming areas
- Substrate: Dark substrate enhances colour contrast
- Plants & Decor: Hardy plants around the edges with open central swimming space
- Water Conditions: Slightly alkaline, stable water preferred
- Filtration & Flow: Moderate flow with strong filtration
- Lighting: Moderate to bright lighting
They are highly active swimmers and appreciate long tanks.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Boeseman's rainbowfish are peaceful and ideal for larger community aquariums.
- Good Tankmates: larger tetras, peaceful barbs, corydoras catfish, gouramis, and other rainbowfish
- Avoid: very shy fish and aggressive species
Their energetic behaviour can overwhelm timid tankmates.
Are Boeseman's Rainbowfish Easy to Care For?
Boeseman's rainbowfish are easy to moderately easy to care for and suitable for most aquarists.
They require:
- A spacious tank
- Good water quality
- A proper group size
- A varied diet
They are hardy and adaptable when kept correctly.
Boeseman's Rainbowfish Price in the UK
In the UK, Boeseman's rainbowfish typically cost between £6-£15 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and colour quality
- Sex (males are often more expensive)
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
Well-coloured adult males usually command higher prices.
Where to Buy Boeseman's Rainbowfish in the UK
Boeseman's rainbowfish are widely available in UK aquarium shops and from hobbyist breeders.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to assess colour and health
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Boeseman's Rainbowfish?
Yes - Boeseman's rainbowfish are sometimes bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with responsible aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Boeseman's rainbowfish are omnivorous and require a varied diet.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality flakes or pellets
- Supplement with frozen or live foods (e.g. bloodworms, brine shrimp)
- Include occasional vegetable-based foods
- Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily
- A varied diet helps maximise colour intensity.
Common Problems with Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Faded colouration, often caused by:
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Inadequate tank conditions
Male aggression or chasing, linked to:
- Too few females
- Small group size
Stress, caused by:
- Poor water quality
- Insufficient swimming space
Why Boeseman's Rainbowfish Are So Popular
- Striking blue and orange colouration
- Active and engaging behaviour
- Peaceful community fish
- Hardy and adaptable
- Excellent for larger planted aquariums
When kept correctly, Boeseman's rainbowfish create constant movement and vivid colour in community tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least 6, though larger groups are recommended.
No, they are peaceful, though males may chase each other.
Yes, they are active swimmers and need plenty of space.
At least 150 litres, with longer tanks preferred.
Looking to Buy or Sell Boeseman's Rainbowfish Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're adding colourful schooling fish to your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.