Boeseman melanotenia or Boeseman rainbow iris appeared on sale not so long ago, but it was already able to get the love of many aquarists who know a lot about beautiful fish. In stores, this species does not attract eyes because of its ugliness, gray color. But experienced aquarists know that the fish will find color later and it will be beautiful. What is needed in order to feel comfortable in the aquarium with the iridescent boesman? Content and breeding are described in detail in our article.
Fish Description
Boeseman melanothenia is a fairly large species. Males grow up to fourteen centimeters in length, females up to ten. Their physique is standard for all irises - the body is long, squeezed laterally, the back is high, and the head is narrow. The dorsal fin and tail are bifurcated.
The fish accepts the full rainbow color when it grows from eight to ten centimeters. Typically, the back of the fish is orange-red and the front is purple. In the place where the color change occurs, black stripes appear.
It is very simple to distinguish a male from a female: females have more silver in color and are completely devoid of red pigment. They are smaller in size, and their fins are more rounded than in males.
With proper care, the Boesman iris will live up to eight years. This is a very active and unpretentious fish, but still not recommended for beginner aquarists for maintenance, since the conditions in the new aquariums are not suitable for the life of this species.
Boeseman's melanotenia in nature
The fish was first described in 1980 by Kros and Allen. The Boeseman's iris is in the western part of Guinea, in Asia. The only places where the fish is common are the lakes Hain, Aumaru, Aitinjo, as well as in some of their tributaries. The described fish are kept only in marshy places densely overgrown with vegetation. In the same place they get their livelihood in the form of insects and plants.
At the moment, the Boeseman’s iris is listed on the Red Book as an endangered species. The fact is that the fish is caught in incredible quantities, and its habitat is under threat. Now catching and exporting melanotenia of Boeseman is strictly prohibited, and the species is protected by the state.
The most valuable individuals are precisely those brought from the natural environment, since their color is the cleanest and brightest. At home keeping the fish can interbreed with other species of iris, so the offspring are “defective”.
Proper feeding
The color of the iris, its activity, health and life cycle depend on the nutrition and quality of the feed. It is the diet that needs to be taken with all responsibility. These fish are omnivorous, so you can easily diversify their menu. All kinds of dry food for aquarium fish are suitable, which are sold in a huge assortment in specialized stores. Their composition is balanced and has ingredients that contribute to the brightness of the color.
But on dry feed alone, the Boeseman’s iris will not be able to fully develop and reproduce. It is necessary from time to time to pamper the fish with live food or, in extreme cases, frozen. The favorite delicacy of the species is bloodworms, artemia and daphnia.
Among other things, do not forget about plant foods. Ideal herbs for feeding the iris are wolfia and duckweed. These components will complement and diversify the diet.
Boesman Rainbow: Aquarium Maintenance
This issue requires a detailed explanation. The boesman's iris (melanotenia) is quite large and belongs to the flocking species, so when buying such, think about the size of the aquarium. There should be plenty of space, so an aquarium with a capacity of less than two hundred liters is not suitable. More - you can, even need, less - in no case!
So, when the aquarium of the required volume is, you need to ennoble it, create conditions close to natural. For this, we will not begin to breed a swamp, but we will make a beautiful and aesthetic "room". Get more plants for the aquarium and build a garden from them along the back wall and along the side walls, plant a little greenery in the center. Find a beautiful natural snag and put it also in the center of the aquarium. Along the front wall there should be enough space for active fish to swim.
For the iris, a small flow is acceptable, which is easy to create. Without the necessary filtration, the aquarium will quickly overgrow and the fish will feel bad. As we already wrote, the swamp should not be arranged, so every week engage in a water change.
Where to install the aquarium?
Decorating and equipping a "fish house" is not as difficult as it seems. The main thing is to choose the best place for installation. And you need to take this matter seriously.
Install the aquarium in a place so that its inhabitants are in the sun every day, but no more than two hours. The light is not so important for them as for people, because when the sun is directed, the water begins to sparkle, and the color of the fish looks simply amazing! If the rays are in the water for more than two hours, then this will cause flowering, an unpleasant, musty smell. Yes, and the fish in such an aquarium will live uncomfortably.
Water requirements
If you are an experienced aquarist, you have all the necessary tools to track the condition of the water. If not, then get a thermometer and devices by which it will be possible to determine acidity, hardness. Ideal water for the life of the Boeseman iris has the following meanings:
- the temperature should not fall below 21 degrees and rise above 26 degrees;
- pH (acidity) is a very important factor: it should be not lower than 6.5 and not higher than 8.0;
- dH (stiffness) is much easier to track since data can vary from 8 to 25.
Socialization
If you decide to buy a Boesman rainbow, do not buy one. These are schooling fish and need communication, respectively, the number of individuals should not be less than six. It is desirable that there be the same number of females and males, but there may be more females. The main thing is that there should be more than two males, otherwise one will be constantly oppressed. In nature, fish fight for power and dominance, they just need it. If there are more than three males, then over time the dominant will not be so aggressive and reconcile all the other inhabitants, and the fights will not be with noticeable negative consequences.
Boeseman's iris gets along well with other types of fish. Neighbors should be no less active and similar in size.
Boesman Rainbow: Breeding
In order to breed iris, you need to try. For the first time, the process can be tiring, especially the cultivation of fry. For spawning, you need to choose an active and strong pair, plant it from the rest of the individuals in a separate aquarium, in which there will be many plants. Spawning will last for several days, and caviar is laid in portions. At this time, the couple should receive a lot of food, including live food.
Caviar should immediately be removed for incubation, and for this you will need another aquarium. Fry hatch very small and will grow slowly at first. The offspring need to be fed with small live food, the "blooming" water, which contains many microorganisms and unicellular algae, as well as ciliates, will be ideal.
Reviews of melanotenia Boeseman
Aquarists involved in the maintenance and breeding of the iris, write that the fish are unpretentious, you just need to create good conditions for them and support them. The comments say that the Boeseman’s iris is very beautiful. It is advised not to worry if her color fades - which means she is restless. When her condition returns to normal, the fish will again be bright.
We wish all aquarists success in keeping and breeding. We hope this article will help you at first!