Short Body Boesemani Rainbowfish — 7 cm+ (~2.8 inches)

The Boesemani Rainbowfish is one of the most iconic and vibrant freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to the clear waters of Indonesia’s Ayamaru Lakes, these fish are celebrated for their half-and-half coloration—a shimmering electric blue on the front half of the body and a rich orange to yellow on the back half. At around 7 cm (2.8 inches), they are entering their sub-adult stage, where their colors really begin to intensify and glow under good lighting.

This species is peaceful, active, and best kept in groups, as their schooling behavior brings out their confidence and most stunning display. Males typically show more vivid coloration and deeper bodies compared to the slimmer, less brightly colored females.

✦ Care Instructions

Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons, though larger tanks (75+ gallons) are recommended for larger groups.
Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Hardness: 8–25 dGH

Diet: Omnivorous—offer a mix of high-quality flake food, slow-sinking pellets, live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms), and frozen foods. A varied diet enhances their color vibrancy.

Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least 6 or more to reduce stress and promote natural social interactions.

Tank Setup:

• Provide open swimming space as well as planted areas for shelter.

• Use darker substrates and strong aquarium lighting to highlight their colors.

• Compatible with other peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, gouramis, and corydoras.

Breeding: Egg scatterers. Males display brighter colors when courting females. They require dense vegetation or spawning mops for eggs, which should be separated to prevent adults from eating them.

Lifespan: Typically 5–7 years with proper care.