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

Care Guide

Tank setup: Rainbowfish are active swimmers, so leave open swimming space along the front, with plants along the back and sides. Use a filter, a heater and a tight-fitting lid, since they can jump.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They get along with peaceful fish of similar size, such as other rainbowfish, larger tetras, barbs, danios, corydoras and plecos.

Good to know: Boesemani are half blue and half orange, and their colors get stronger as they grow.