Boeseman's Rainbowfish 'Ave's Creek'

Ave's Creek Rainbowfish ( Melanotaenia boesemani )

A locality form of Melanotaenia boesemani collected from Ave's Creek, a headwater stream feeding into Lake Ayamaru in West Papua, Indonesia. This is one of the most strikingly colored rainbowfish in the hobby.

• Maximum Size: Reaches approximately 10–13 cm (4–5.1 inches) total length.
• Appearance: Males exhibit the classic Boeseman’s pattern with a brilliant blue or turquoise front half of the body transitioning sharply into a bright red or orange rear half. The contrast becomes especially vivid in mature, well-conditioned males. Females are more subdued in color.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (ideally 4 feet or longer) for a school.
• Water Parameters: 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderate hardness.
• Diet: Omnivorous. Accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.
• Behavior: Peaceful but active schooling fish. Males frequently display and flash their colors. Best kept in groups.

IUCN Status: Endangered (species level; wild populations face collection pressure and habitat threats).

Selling size: ~2.5-3"