Endemic to the karst Lake Kamakawai in West Papua, this is a spectacular and distinctively deep-bodied rainbowfish. As they mature, males develop a robust chest and an intense silvery-blue to purplish sheen. Like all rainbowfish, they are highly active, schooling fish that require spacious tanks with plenty of horizontal swimming room and alkaline, hard water parameters.
Kamaka Rainbowfish At a Glance
Kamaka Rainbowfish Tank Requirements
Will Kamaka Rainbowfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Kamaka Rainbowfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Kamaka Rainbowfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Kamaka Rainbowfish Water Parameters
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Kamaka Rainbowfish Temperament & Compatibility
Kamaka Rainbowfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Unsexed / Juvenile
Typically sold in stores as juveniles. They display a bland, silvery color and a much more slender profile. It takes several months of high-quality food and clean water to trigger adult coloration.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Adult males possess a dramatically deep-bodied, 'humped' profile with brilliant silvery-blue iridescence. They continuously display to females and rival males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male
Female
Adult females remain more slender and possess subdued, silver coloration without the pronounced hump. A higher ratio of females to males reduces harassment in the school.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female
Kamaka Rainbowfish Care Guide Summary
The Kamaka Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Melanotaenia kamaka, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Kamaka Rainbowfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.4–8.4 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Kamaka Rainbowfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Unsexed / Juvenile, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Kamaka Rainbowfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Kamaka Rainbowfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include light plant coverage for partial shade. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Kamaka Rainbowfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Kamaka Rainbowfish is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Kamaka Rainbowfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Kamaka Rainbowfish.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kamaka Rainbowfish
How big does Kamaka Rainbowfish get?
Kamaka Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia kamaka) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Kamaka Rainbowfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Kamaka Rainbowfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Kamaka Rainbowfish need?
Kamaka Rainbowfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.4 and 8.4, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Kamaka Rainbowfish peaceful or aggressive?
Kamaka Rainbowfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Kamaka Rainbowfish should be kept together?
Kamaka Rainbowfish is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Kamaka Rainbowfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Kamaka Rainbowfish benefits from plants - lighly covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Kamaka Rainbowfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Kamaka Rainbowfish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Kamaka Rainbowfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Kamaka Rainbowfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Emerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesAgassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesGhost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesOrange Chromide
Etroplus maculatus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Kamaka Rainbowfish
These plants pair well with Kamaka Rainbowfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Fish Similar to Kamaka Rainbowfish
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia lacustris
A stunning, deep-bodied rainbowfish endemic to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. Famous for their ability to shift colors from deep teal to bright iridescent blue depending on mood and water quality. They are active schooling fish that thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Lake Mbuta Rainbowfish
Pelangia mbutaensis
A very rare and Critically Endangered rainbowfish endemic to the swampy Lake Mbuta basin in West Papua, Indonesia. It is the sole member of the genus Pelangia. Characterized by a yellowish-tan body grading to silvery-white, they are peaceful, active schooling fish. They are virtually unseen in the standard aquarium trade.
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
A striking, highly active schooling fish endemic to Lake Tebera in Papua New Guinea. They feature bright yellow to greenish-blue bodies with a distinct dark lateral stripe. As vigorous swimmers, they require long aquariums and do best in mixed-sex shoals, which encourages males to display their best colors. Due to their highland origin, they prefer slightly cooler, well-oxygenated, and alkaline water.
Blue Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia caerulea
A small, highly active, and colorful schooling fish native to the Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. They are peaceful but require ample swimming space and a school of their own kind to thrive. Like most rainbowfish, they appreciate well-oxygenated, flowing water and are excellent jumpers. Males develop a striking blue hue with reddish horizontal stripes.
Misool Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia misoolensis
An active, schooling species endemic to the limestone karst streams of Misool Island in West Papua, Indonesia. They are found in moderately fast, clear waters flowing through primary rainforests. Like many rainbowfish, they are slow to mature but develop stunning colors and deep bodies as adults. They require hard, alkaline water and ample horizontal swimming space.
Lake Wanam Rainbowfish
Glossolepis wanamensis
A critically endangered species (IUCN Red List) endemic to Lake Wanam in Papua New Guinea. Known for the extreme deep-bodied shape and metallic green-bronze colors that mature males develop. They are fast, active schooling fish that require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space. Excellent for large planted aquariums.