Kamaka rainbowfish - Melanotaenia kamaka

Scientific name: Melanotaenia kamaka

Common name: Kamaka rainbowfish

Family: Melanotaeniidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 9 cm (2.36 - 3.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.8 - 8.2

Recommended water hardness: 5 - 15°N (89.29 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Overview

Melanotaenia kamaka (Kamaka rainbowfish) is a small, peaceful rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kamaka on the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua (Indonesia). Males develop metallic steel-blue bodies with subtle gold sheen, while females are smaller and paler. Active schooling behavior and constant mid-water movement make this species ideal for planted community aquaria.

Care & Tank Setup

Group size: Keep in groups of 8–10+ (sex ratio ~1M:2F) to reduce male sparring and bring out natural displays.
Tank: Minimum 90 cm length / 100–120 l for a group; long tanks with open swimming lanes and dense planting at the sides/back.
Water: pH 6.8–8.2, hardness 5–15 °dGH, temperature 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Stable, well-oxygenated, low-nitrogen water is essential.
Aquascape: Heavily planted with fine-leaved stems and floating plants for diffuse light; dark substrate enhances coloration. Tight-fitting lid—excellent jumpers.
Maintenance: Weekly 30–40% water changes; gentle flow with good surface agitation.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous micro-predator; not fussy but thrives on variety:

Staples: High-quality micro-pellets and flakes formulated for rainbowfish.
Frozen/live: Daphnia, baby brine shrimp, Cyclops, black mosquito larvae, finely chopped mysis.
Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes or gel foods a few times weekly to support color and digestion.
Avoid: Heavy, fatty or tubificid worms as a routine food (risk of digestive issues).

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful, active mid-water shoaler; best with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.
Good tankmates: Other small rainbowfish, peaceful livebearers, rasboras, Corydoras, small Loricariids, dwarf gobies.

Sexing

Males are larger with deeper bodies, more intense steel-blue coloration, and may show extended dorsal/anal rays; females remain smaller and duller.

Breeding

Egg-scattering spawner with adhesive eggs deposited among fine plants or spawning mops. Condition breeders on live/frozen foods, then collect eggs daily (or move adults after spawning begins). Incubation typically 7–12 days at 26 °C. Start fry on infusoria/rotifers or powdered fry food; introduce newly hatched brine shrimp after a few days. Gentle filtration and pristine water are critical.

Lifespan

Typically 6–8 years with excellent water quality and varied diet.

Short description

M. kamaka is a compact, shimmering rainbowfish that rewards attentive care with cohesive schooling and subtle, elegant coloration. Provide a roomy, planted setup, steady warm temperatures, and a varied micro-diet for best results.