Boesemani Rainbowfish
The boesemani rainbow was first discovered, at least from the aquarium trade’s point of view, by the Dutch ichthyologist Dr. Marinus Boeseman 50 years ago. Boeseman was a heroic aquarist who joined the resistance against the Nazis while publishing his doctoral thesis – on cherry bitterlings. He was caught and imprisoned. Fortunately, the Nazis did not get a chance to execute the great aquarist and after the war he went on to discover and name the most popular rainbow in our Hobby.
These fish should at least be purchased as a pair of two to lower their stress level in the tank. Females have nice color, but not as much as the males. Large rainbows are good with all but the smallest aquarium species, such as fancy shrimp.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macropodus operculatus |
| Size | Up to 4 inches |
| Lifespan | 5 to 8 years |
| Water Temperature | 72°F to 78°F |
| Water pH | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Compatibility | Good with peaceful community fish; avoid very small species |
FAQ
How many boesemani rainbowfish should I keep in my aquarium?
It is recommended to keep at least two boesemani rainbowfish together to reduce stress and promote natural behavior.
Are male and female boesemani rainbowfish different in appearance?
Yes, males typically have more vibrant and intense coloration compared to females, who have a nice but less vivid color pattern.
What kind of water conditions do boesemani rainbowfish prefer?
They thrive in water with a temperature between 72°F and 78°F and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5.
Dan Terry –
I bought a pair of boesemani rainbowfish for my 20-gallon tank. They are very active and colorful, especially the males. The fish seem to get along well with my tetras and guppies. I’ve kept them for six months and they’re still healthy and lively.
Faith Greene –
The fish arrived quickly and looked well-packaged. I started with two fish and noticed they became more active after a week. The color of the males is striking, and they don’t seem to stress easily when kept in a group.
Una Chapman –
I was initially worried about compatibility, but the rainbows are peaceful and don’t chase smaller fish. They enjoy the surface activity and swim in schools. Great addition to a community tank.