Boeseman's Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani

Endangered Freshwater

Max Length

11.0 cm

Max Weight

0.01 kg

Color

Striking bicolor pattern: front half …

Family

Belontiidae

About

Boeseman's rainbowfish is a stunning species endemic to three lakes in the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua. The front half of its body is blue-grey while the rear half is bright orange-yellow. Threatened by habitat degradation and over-collection.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	11.0 cm
Maximum Weight	0.01 kg

Coloration

Striking bicolor pattern: front half of the body is vivid orange-red, rear half is iridescent blue-gray to blue-green; the color boundary is abrupt at mid-body; fins are pale to orange-yellow.

Habitat & Distribution

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.

Water Type

Freshwater

Geographic Range

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Conservation Status

Endangered IUCN Red List

Boeseman's Rainbowfish is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Boeseman's Rainbowfish faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

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

Aquarium Care

Care Level

Temperament

Peaceful

Min Tank Size

120 liters

Temperature

26-30

pH Range

7.0-8.0

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Taxonomy

Order	Anabantiformes (Labyrinth fishes)
Family	Belontiidae (Gouramis)
Species	Melanotaenia boesemani

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How big does Boeseman's Rainbowfish get?

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

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.

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.

Is Boeseman's Rainbowfish endangered?

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

What family does Boeseman's Rainbowfish belong to?

Boeseman's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) belongs to the family Belontiidae (Gouramis) in the order Anabantiformes (Labyrinth fishes).