🌈 Lake Uter Boesemani Rainbow

Locality‑True. High‑Color. Pure Showpiece.

The Lake Uter Boesemani Rainbow is that rare strain that instantly elevates a tank from “nice setup” to full display mode. These fish carry the unmistakable split‑tone look hobbyists chase:

🔵 Deep cobalt fronts that glow even in soft light
🟧 Rich sunset rears that intensify as they mature
✨ A clean metallic sheen that makes every pass across the glass feel intentional

Raised in small batches at Uncle Joe’s Fish Shed, these aren’t the washed‑out, farm‑mixed rainbows you see everywhere. They’re line‑true, color‑honest, and built with that confident, cruising posture that makes a school look like a moving gradient.

If you want a centerpiece group that brings motion, color, and presence without overwhelming the tank, Lake Uter Boesemanis are the flex.

( Melanotaenia boesemoni ) This species is endemic to the Ajamaru Lakes and nearby tributaries in the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia.

Conservation Status

Wild populations of Melanotaenia boesemani are critically endangered due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and threats to the natural habitate. Starting in the 1980s, large numbers were exported, leading to population declines. Current efforts include captive breeding programs and genetic monitoring.

Bred right here in SWFL, these Boesemoni Rainbows are of top quality and bred with care by Eddie Ahlquist from Eddies Aquarium Fix.

Boesemoni Rainbowfish Lake Uter

$20.00

Options

Quantity

Ideal aquarium conditions include:

Tank size: Minimum 80-100 cm length and at least 200 liters to accommodate schooling behavior.

Water parameters: pH 7.0–8.0, temperature 23–30°C, moderate hardness.

Environment: Planted tanks with ample swimming space, gentle water flow, and hiding spots from vegetation.

Diet: Varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods.

Social needs: Keep in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and express natural behaviors.
Temperature: 74–80°F

pH: 7.0–8.0

Hardness: Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH)

Flow: Moderate, well‑oxygenated

Maintenance: Clean water is everything — weekly water changes keep color and activity high

🏞️ Tank Setup

Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a proper group

Schooling: Keep 6+ to reduce stress and bring out natural color displays

Aquascape: Open swimming lanes with plants or hardscape along the edges

Substrate: Any — they’re mid‑water cruisers

Lighting: Moderate to bright; good lighting enhances their split‑tone coloration

🍽️ Diet

Primary: High‑quality flakes or micro‑pellets

Boosters: Spirulina, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms (frozen/live)

Feeding Style: Fast, active feeders — offer small portions 2–3 times daily

🧬 Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful, energetic, confident

Tankmates: Other rainbows, peaceful barbs, livebearers, rasboras, corydoras, most community fish

Avoid: Slow, long‑fin species that may get outcompeted for food

🐣 Breeding Notes

Type: Egg scatterers

Trigger: Cooler water changes + heavy feeding

Setup: Fine‑leaf plants or spawning mops

Fry Care: Infusoria → baby brine shrimp as soon as they can take it