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A popular fish because of the color of the males, which are blue/purple with orange and yellow on the posterior of the body, the Boesemani Rainbow, or Boeseman's Rainbow is a good centerpiece for the aquarium. The Rainbowfish is known for the characteristic large eyes, black or silver band that runs through the middle scale rows, deeply forked mouth, and two dorsal fins.

The peaceful Boesemani Rainbow is a schooling fish that does best in a planted aquarium with plenty of room to swim. The aquarium should have a gravel substrate that may aid in intensifying the colors of the fish if a dark gravel is used.

An egg layer, Melanotaenia boesemani spawns on moss throughout several days. The fry hatch after six or seven days and require small pieces of live food.

Although the Boesemani Rainbow has a large mouth, its throat tends to be narrow. Foods fed should not be too large. The Boesemani Rainbow is an omnivore and should eat a mixed diet of prepared flakes, frozen, and live foods.

Ideal tank mates include: Discus, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, Gouramis, Barbs, Danios, Rasboras, Loaches, Plecos and Scavenger Catfish of similar size.