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💧 Freshwater Endangered 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Boeseman's rainbowfish

Melanotaenia boesemani Allen & Cross, 1980
Max Length
9 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
2.9
Depth
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
35.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

Inhabits lakes which are situated at the headwaters of the Ajamaru River in Irian Jaya which drains into the Kais River eventually flowing to the Ceram Sea. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 80 cm .

Scientific Name
Melanotaenia boesemani
Authority
Allen & Cross, 1980
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
EN
Max Length
9 cm
Trophic Level
2.9
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
35.00/100
Water Temp
27–30 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 14; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17 - 23. : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Boeseman's rainbowfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Boeseman's rainbowfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Distinct pairing .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19. Tropical; 27°C - 30°C ; 1°S - 2°S southeast of Ajamaru Lakes.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
2.9±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01122 × L3.04 (TL)
Max TL
9cm
Dorsal Spines
6
Dorsal Rays
12
Anal Spines
1
Anal Rays
20

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
27–30°C
pH Range
7–8
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Endangered
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
35.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.9
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Allen & Cross, 1980

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Boeseman's rainbowfish is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Boeseman's rainbowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Boeseman's rainbowfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 1 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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