Care guide at a glance
Melanotaenia boesemani
Description
The most recognisable rainbowfish in the hobby: a blue-grey forebody breaking abruptly into brilliant orange-red across the rear half. Adult males are among the most spectacular freshwater fish available.
Feeding
Flake, micro-pellets and frozen daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp. Feeds mainly in the upper half of the tank and takes food readily.
Compatibility
Peaceful but fast and active. Keep in groups of six or more with a mix of sexes. Best with other rainbowfish, larger tetras and barbs rather than slow or long-finned species.
Behaviour and personality
Powerful, constantly moving swimmers. Males display hard to one another and to females, flaring fins and flashing a bright stripe across the forehead.
Before you buy
Juveniles in shop tanks look washed out; the adult colour takes six to twelve months to arrive. Needs open swimming length and a well-fitted lid, as rainbowfish jump.
DX courier delivery is £20 per livestock order.
Delivery is scheduled for your selected delivery date and typically arrives before 1pm.
There is no minimum or maximum order value.
Additional information:
- In-stock livestock orders will be processed and dispatched for delivery on the date selected on the cart/basket page.
- Available delivery days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- If any stock issues affect your chosen delivery date, we will contact you as soon as possible by email or telephone.
- Shipping for dry goods is charged separately from livestock delivery. Dry goods are dispatched according to our standard delivery policy.
- All livestock remains covered by our 7-day guarantee.