Boesemani Rainbowfish
Pickup currently unavailable at Napier
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Boesemani Rainbow is one of the most striking freshwater rainbowfish, renowned for its vibrant half-blue, half-orange colouration and active schooling behaviour. Native to the Ayamaru Lakes of West Papua, Indonesia, this species is highly prized by aquarists for its brilliant colours, peaceful temperament, and constant activity. Mature males develop the most intense colouration, creating a spectacular display when kept in groups.
Boesemani Rainbowfish are hardy, social fish that thrive in well-maintained aquariums with plenty of swimming space. Their energetic nature and shimmering colours make them an excellent centrepiece for larger community aquariums.
Physical Characteristics:
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Adult Size:
Approximately 10–12cm -
Body Shape:
Deep-bodied, laterally compressed rainbowfish with a streamlined profile -
Colouration:
Front half of the body displays metallic blue to purple tones, while the rear half develops vibrant orange to golden-yellow colouration. Colours intensify as the fish mature. -
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males are larger, deeper-bodied, and display much brighter colouration than females, while females are smaller with more subdued colours. -
Lifespan:
Approximately 5–8 years with proper care
Behaviour & Temperament:
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Temperament:
Peaceful and active -
Swimming Level:
Middle to upper levels -
Social Behaviour:
A schooling species that displays its best colours and natural behaviour when kept in groups. -
Recommended Group Size:
Minimum of 6 individuals, with larger groups encouraged where space allows
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size:
200 litres recommended -
Water Temperature:
24–28°C -
pH Range:
7.0–8.0 -
Water Hardness:
Moderately hard to hard water preferred -
Water Flow:
Moderate water movement -
Substrate:
Fine gravel or sand -
Aquascape:
Open swimming areas combined with dense planting around the edges and driftwood for shelter -
Lighting:
Moderate to bright lighting enhances their natural colouration
Feeding
Boesemani Rainbowfish are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet to maintain their health and vibrant colours.
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Suitable Foods:
High-quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, insect larvae, and occasional vegetable-based foods -
Frequency:
Offer 1–2 meals daily in portions they can consume within a few minutes.
Compatibility
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Suitable Tank Mates:
Other rainbowfish, tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, peaceful barbs, gouramis, and other peaceful community fish -
Avoid Housing With:
Large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, or fish small enough to be considered prey
Breeding
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Spawning Type:
Egg scatterer -
Difficulty:
Moderate -
Notes:
Eggs are laid among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops over several days. Adults do not provide parental care, so eggs should be removed or protected for successful hatching.
Special Considerations
- Boesemani Rainbowfish display their best colouration when kept in groups and provided with a varied, high-quality diet.
- A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as they are capable jumpers.
- Regular water changes and stable water quality are essential for maintaining their health and vibrant colours.
