Contents

Fish

Rainbowfishes
Chilatherina

Glossolepis




Melanotaenia











M. splendida








M. trifasciata

Melanotaenia boesemani

   Melanotaenia boesemani, is a lake dwelling rainbowfish from western New Guinea (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish).

Size: Males and females reach 11.5cm (4.5 in.).

Description: Males are grayish-silver in front, abruptly turning brilliant yellow-orange about mid-body. There are frequently 2 or 3 vertical black bars apparent in the silvery area also. The fins are yellow. Females are silvery-gray to greenish with several faint black horizontal stripes. The top photo is a mature male. The bottom photo is a mature female.

Environment: This species tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).

Geographic Range: A limited area of extreme western New Guinea. According to Dr. Gerald R. Allen this species is found in Lake Ayamaru, its tributaries, Lake Hain and Lake Aitinjo.

Temperament: This species is not aggressive and is an active swimmer. It can be kept either in a large single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with other rainbowfish or other fish with similar behavior.

Feeding: Feeding is simple with the fish taking prepared foods as well as live and frozen foods. Periodic feedings of Daphnia or other live foods are helpful in color maintenance, general health and breeding.

Spawning: This rainbowfish spawns like other rainbowfish, laying eggs daily in fine leaved plants or plant roots (click here for a general discussion of rainbowfish breeding). The eggs hatch in about 12 days and the fry can take microworms, vinegar eels or infusoria immediately. Adult M. boesemani do not usually eat their fry. Growth is rapid and sexual maturity is reached in about 4 months.

Additional Information and Photos: For more information about and additional photos of this species, click on one of the following links:
   http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Melanotaenia.htm

Page last modified June 6, 2007.

Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, LP