📖 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
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
🐟 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
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
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.
🔄 Introduced / Present
3 countries
Colombia
Mexico
Philippines
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01122 × L3.04
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Temperature Range
27–30°C
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 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
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
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy 125 kcal
Moisture 75 %
Protein 20 %
Total Fat 4 %
Ash 1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5 g
Omega-3 Total 1 g
EPA 0.3 g
DHA 0.5 g
Omega-6 Total 0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 0.7 mg
Magnesium 30 mg
Phosphorus 220 mg
Potassium 380 mg
Sodium 55 mg
Zinc 0.5 mg
Selenium 32 µg
Vitamin B12 2 µg
📊 Population Dynamics
Year
Region
Index
Notes
-
-
-
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed
.