Melanotaenia boesemani

Melanotaenia boesemani is a freshwater rainbowfish native to the Ayamaru Lakes region and nearby waters of West Papua, Indonesia, and is widely known in the aquarium hobby as Boeseman’s rainbowfish. This species is especially admired for the striking adult male coloration, with a bluish front half and orange to yellow rear half creating a vivid two-tone appearance that becomes more pronounced with maturity and good condition. In aquariums, Melanotaenia boesemani is best understood as an active, peaceful schooling fish that benefits from spacious swimming areas, stable water quality, and group keeping, while its limited wild distribution also makes responsible sourcing and captive-bred individuals important considerations for sustainable enjoyment.