Balloon Boesemani Rainbow - Melanotaenia boesemani

The Short Body, or Balloon Boesemani Rainbow is a selectively bred variant of the Boesemani rainbowfish, which is endemic to the Ayamaru Lakes of Indonesia. Like other rainbowfish, they're notable for their beautiful coloration with blue-green on the front half, and a yellow-orange rear half, often divided by a couple of dark vertical bars. The Balloon Boesemani in particular was selectively bred in captivity for its shorter, rounder body.           

Care

The Boesemani Rainbow is an easy to keep, colorful, and active species that grows up to 4.5 inches long, requiring an aquarium of 30 gallons or more. They're a very peaceful and sociable species, preferring to be kept in shoals with other rainbowfish in peaceful community tanks. Although they prefer hard, alkaline water, they are generally adaptable to most common aquarium chemistries. It's important to provide them with the proper amount of cover, while leaving plenty of room for these very active swimmers to stretch their fine.       

Diet

Balloon Boesemani Rainbowfish are omnivorous, and will readily accept most prepared foods that will fit into their small mouths.