One of the most brightly coloured rainbowfish, Boeseman's Rainbowfish has a bright orange back half, and a bright blue head. This bright, contrasting pattern makes them an incredibly striking fish. However, smaller individuals, like all rainbowfish, are generally plain, silvery fishes. Females tend to be quite a bit smaller than males, and lack the bright colouration. The Boesemani Rainbowfish tends to be fairly hardy, but should not be kept in soft, acidic water.
An active, schooling fish, Boeseman's Rainbow Fish should be kept in large groups, with a minimum of six fishes. They are unaggressive, and can be mixed with virtually any other community type fishes. They should not be mixed with large cichlids, or othe fish which may eat them. They make excellent dither or target fish for smaller, moderately aggressive cichlids, such as Pelvicachromis. Their bright colouration can also make them a focal point in a planted aquarium.
Care should be taken when mixing similar species of Melanotaenia, as they may hybridise in the aquarium.