Our Guide To Keeping Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Melanotaenia boesemani
- Common name: Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish
- Family: Melanotaeniidae
- Origin: New Guinea, specifically from the Ayamaru Lakes region
- Adult length: 10 to 12 cm
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
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Tank Setup:
- Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish thrive in a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 100L is recommended for a small school of these fish.
- Provide a mix of open swimming areas and planted sections with sturdy plants like Java Fern, Vallisneria, and floating plants such as Water Sprite.
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Water Parameters:
- Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Maintain the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- A moderate water flow is suitable for these fish, so opt for a filter that provides gentle to moderate flow.
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Diet:
- Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish are omnivores and will accept a varied diet. Offer them high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
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Tank mates:
- Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish are peaceful community fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals to thrive.
- They are compatible with other peaceful species such as other rainbowfish, tetras, rasboras, and peaceful barbs.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Red Boeseman's Rainbowfish are active swimmers and appreciate swimming space. They display schooling behavior, especially when kept in larger groups.
- Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish species that may stress or harm them.