Kamaka Rainbowfish

The Kamaka rainbowfish is endemic to the small Lake Kamakawaiar near Triton Bay in western New Guinea. Mature males are deep-bodied, and under light their bodies carry a sheen that shifts from light blue to steel blue. It grows to 6–7 cm and can be kept in smaller aquariums than the large rainbowfish. Because its natural habitat is limited to a single small lake, it is important to maintain the fish in the hobby through captive breeding.

• At least 100 liters and 80 cm of length for a school of 6–10.
• 25–27°C, around neutral, moderately hard water; stable parameters are important.
• Plants along the edges, with an open swimming area in the middle; a dark substrate brings out the blue.
• It may jump; use a lid.
• Hybridization: It hybridizes easily with other Melanotaenia species; breed the species separately to keep a pure line.

Omnivorous. It feeds on fine flakes and micro granules, frozen brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.

A peaceful, active schooling fish; males display to each other with spread fins. It may eat baby shrimp.

Good companions: Small and medium-sized tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, blue-eye species.

Avoid: Fin-nipping barbs, large and aggressive fish; other Melanotaenia species if you plan to breed.