Kamaka Rainbow

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About the Kamaka Rainbow

The Kamaka Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia kamaka) is a beautiful and relatively uncommon Australian/New Guinea rainbowfish prized for its shimmering blue-green body, warm orange-red tones and striking metallic colouration.

Mature males develop the strongest colours, particularly when displaying to females. Their elongated body and flowing fins give them an impressive appearance, while their active schooling behaviour makes them a fantastic feature fish for a larger planted community aquarium.

Kamaka Rainbowfish are peaceful but energetic and are best kept in a group, ideally with several females for each male. A spacious aquarium with open swimming areas, vegetation and good water movement will allow them to thrive.

As with most rainbowfish, excellent water quality and a varied diet are important for maintaining strong colour and healthy finnage. They readily accept quality flakes and pellets as well as frozen and live foods.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Melanotaenia kamaka
• Common Name: Kamaka Rainbowfish
• Family: Melanotaeniidae
• Type: Freshwater Rainbowfish
• Adult Size: Approximately 10–12 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy–Intermediate
• Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Diet: Omnivore
• Tank Level: Middle to upper
• Group Size: 6+
• Origin: Papua, Indonesia
• Breeding: Egg scatterer

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does the Kamaka Rainbow get?

Kamaka Rainbowfish can reach approximately 10–12 cm, with mature males generally being larger and more colourful.

How many Kamaka Rainbowfish should I keep?

A group of 6 or more is recommended. Keeping multiple females with males helps encourage natural behaviour and reduces excessive attention on individual females.

Are Kamaka Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish, although their active swimming style makes them better suited to similarly active tank mates.

What do Kamaka Rainbowfish eat?

They readily accept quality flakes, pellets and granules, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.

Are they suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. They look excellent in planted aquariums, particularly when provided with open swimming space in front of dense vegetation.

How can I get the best colour from males?

Good nutrition, clean water, a suitably sized group and the presence of females all help encourage males to display their strongest natural colours.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Keeping them in a group that is too small
• ❌ Keeping them in an aquarium without enough swimming space
• ❌ Overcrowding the aquarium
• ❌ Feeding a poor or repetitive diet
• ❌ Allowing water quality to deteriorate
• ❌ Keeping them with slow-moving or easily intimidated tank mates