Boeseman's Rainbowfish

Q: Can you eat Boeseman's Rainbowfish?

Not consumed — an Endangered ornamental species from West Papua prized for its dramatic dual-tone coloration; strictly protected and kept only in aquariums.

Q: How big does Boeseman's Rainbowfish get?

Boeseman's Rainbowfish can grow up to 11.0 cm long and weigh 0.01 kg.

Q: Is Boeseman's Rainbowfish good for aquariums?

Boeseman's rainbowfish has a moderate care level, a peaceful temperament, requires a minimum tank size of 120 liters.

Q: Where is Boeseman's Rainbowfish found?

Endemic to three interconnected lakes—Ajamaru, Aitinjo, and Hain—in the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia. Highly localized range in alkaline, clear-water lakes surrounded by limestone karst. Clear, warm rivers and lakes in the Bird's Head Peninsula, West Papua (New Guinea). Inhabits open-water areas over sandy substrates at 24-28°C. Popular and endangered aquarium species.

Q: Is Boeseman's Rainbowfish endangered?

The conservation status of Boeseman's Rainbowfish is Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

Q: What family does Boeseman's Rainbowfish belong to?

Boeseman's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) belongs to the family Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes) in the order Atheriniformes (Silversides).

Abstract

Split almost exactly at mid-body, Melanotaenia boesemani carries a vivid orange-red front half against an iridescent blue-grey to blue-green rear, with pale to orange-yellow fins — an abrupt two-tone pattern found in no other rainbowfish. It reaches 11 cm. The species is endemic to three interconnected lakes, Ajamaru, Aitinjo and Hain, on the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia, in alkaline clear water ringed by limestone karst. That extremely narrow range leaves it exposed to habitat degradation and over-collection for the ornamental trade, and the IUCN Red List assesses it as Endangered. Aquarium specimens need warm, hard, alkaline water and a tank of at least 120 litres.