Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish Care Guide – Compact Color for Community Aquariums

Introduction: A Miniature Rainbow with Maximum Impact

The Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani - shortbody morph) is a selectively bred, compact version of one of the most beloved freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. With its split-tone coloring—vibrant blue in the front and fiery orange or yellow toward the tail—this 1.5” morph offers all the visual beauty of a full-sized Boesemani in a smaller package ideal for community tanks.

Perfect for intermediate aquarists, the Shortbody Boesemani brings activity, color, and peaceful schooling behavior to any setup without overwhelming space or bio-load.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Ideal Tank Setup

🧱 Tank Size

• Minimum: 20 gallons (small group)

• Recommended: 30–40+ gallons for 6+ fish

Like all rainbowfish, the Shortbody Boesemani thrives in schools of 6 or more, which helps reduce stress and bring out color vibrancy.

🪨 Aquascape

• Use a planted backdrop with open swimming lanes

• Floating plants can provide diffuse light

• Use dark substrates to make their colors pop

• Ideal tank includes both structure (rocks, driftwood) and open water zones

🌊 Filtration & Flow

• Moderate water flow is preferred

• Canister or HOB filters are ideal

• Maintain clear, well-oxygenated water for peak health

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💧 Water Parameters

Weekly 25–35% water changes help maintain excellent water quality and bring out brighter coloration.

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🍽️ Feeding & Nutrition

Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish are voracious omnivores with a preference for small, floating or midwater food.

✅ Best Diet:

• High-quality micro pellets (color-enhancing formulas)

• Flake food with spirulina or carotenoids

• Frozen or live daphnia, bloodworms, or baby brine shrimp

• Crushed veggie wafers for fiber

🕒 Feed twice per day in small portions. Uneaten food should be removed to avoid water fouling.

💡 Pro Tip: A varied diet enhances both color and fin quality.

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🧠 Behavior & Schooling

• Highly social, these fish need to be in a group to feel secure

• Non-aggressive toward other tank mates

• Always moving—adds life to midwater column

• Males will display their colors and flair up fins during mild sparring or courtship displays

Without a school, these fish can become dull-colored and anxious, so never keep them solo.

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👫 Tank Mates

The peaceful nature of Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish makes them great additions to community tanks.

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

• Tetras (Lemon, Rummy-nose, Neon)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras

• Apistogrammas

• Small Gouramis

• Pencilfish

• Livebearers (Platies, Mollies)

❌ Avoid:

• Aggressive or fin-nipping species (e.g., Tiger Barbs)

• Large predators that may mistake them for food

• Shrimp may be at risk if very small

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🧬 Breeding Information

Like their full-size cousins, these rainbows are egg scatterers and can breed in captivity.

Breeding Setup:

• Use a separate 10–20 gallon tank

• Add spawning mops or Java moss

• Feed adults a high-protein diet (brine shrimp, bloodworms)

• Eggs hatch in 7–10 days

• Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food, followed by baby brine shrimp

Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.

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🌟 Educational Insight: What Makes “Shortbody” Boesemani Different?

The shortbody morph is a selectively bred variant that emphasizes compact body proportions without losing the vibrant color of the original species.

• Takes up less space than traditional Boesemani

• Often displays more concentrated coloration due to body shape

• Ideal for nano tanks or smaller community tanks

However, ethical breeders prioritize healthy body structure over extreme compaction—avoid poorly bred specimens that show signs of spinal deformity or swimming issues.

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💲 Why Buy Shortbody Boesemani from RobsAquatics.com?

At RobsAquatics.com, our Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish are:

• Quarantined and health-screened

• Ethically bred with balanced proportions

• Shipped with premium care and a Live Arrival Guarantee

• Vibrantly colored and active at the time of shipping

• Raised on a high-quality diet to enhance color and growth

When you buy from Rob’s, you're buying top-tier aquatics from a trusted, hobbyist-run source.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish is a perfect blend of compact size, peaceful nature, and dazzling beauty. Whether you're running a community tank or creating a themed biotope, this fish adds movement, shimmer, and personality.

Great for:

• Hobbyists wanting bright, peaceful mid-dwellers

• Planted or aquascaped aquariums

• Nano tanks or moderately sized community setups

• Beginner to intermediate aquarists

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👉 Order your Shortbody Boesemani Rainbowfish (1.5”) today at RobsAquatics.com and bring home the perfect mix of color, character, and compact charm.