Kamaka

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: Kamaka Rainbowfish display a stunning blue to violet iridescence, which can shift depending on light conditions. The intensity of the colors is especially pronounced in males during courtship or territorial displays. Their fins may have light orange or yellow edges.
• Size: These fish typically grow to about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length, with males slightly larger and more colorful than females.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Kamaka Rainbowfish can live for 5-8 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Kamaka Rainbowfish are native to the Kamaka region in West Papua, Indonesia. They are found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and marshy areas with clear, shallow water.
• Tank Environment: In captivity, they thrive in spacious, well-filtered aquariums with both open swimming spaces and planted areas. They prefer environments with gentle water flow, as their natural habitats are often calm.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Peaceful Schooling Fish: Kamaka Rainbowfish are peaceful by nature and do best when kept in groups of 6 or more. They are active swimmers and are often found in the mid-to-upper regions of the tank.
• Social Behavior: These fish are highly social and display more vibrant colors when kept in schools. Males will sometimes engage in displays of dominance or courtship, but they are generally non-aggressive.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 30-40 gallons is recommended for a small school of Kamaka Rainbowfish. A larger tank (50+ gallons) will allow for more natural behavior and activity.

  Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C).

  • pH: 6.5-7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic water).

  • Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).

  • Filtration and Aeration: Kamaka Rainbowfish prefer well-oxygenated water, so a good filtration system is important. They also appreciate gentle water movement, but strong currents should be avoided.

• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of open swimming space along with some planted areas for hiding. Plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria are good options. Driftwood and rocks can also be used to create a naturalistic habitat.

5. Diet

• Omnivorous: Kamaka Rainbowfish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet.

  Diet Options:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Vegetables or plant-based foods, such as spirulina or algae wafers, help enhance their coloration and maintain health.

  Diet Variation: Offering a mix of protein-based and plant-based foods will keep them healthy and ensure their vibrant colors are fully expressed.

6. Breeding

• Egg-Laying Species: Breeding Kamaka Rainbowfish is relatively easy. They are egg scatterers, meaning females will lay their eggs on fine-leaved plants or artificial spawning mops.
• Mating Behavior: Males become more intensely colored during the breeding season and will display for females by flaring their fins and swimming in a zigzag pattern. Courtship can involve some mild chasing.
• Hatching: Eggs typically hatch within 7-12 days, depending on water temperature. Once the fry emerge, they should be fed infusoria or specialized fry food before progressing to baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes.

7. Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Kamaka Rainbowfish are peaceful and can be housed with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

  Good tank mates include:

  • Other species of rainbowfish.
  • Small, peaceful tetras or rasboras.
  • Corydoras catfish.
  • Peaceful dwarf cichlids (like Apistogramma).

  Avoid Aggressive Fish: Avoid housing them with aggressive or significantly larger species that might outcompete them for food or stress them.

8. Fun Facts

• Color Intensity: The coloration of Kamaka Rainbowfish can change based on their mood, environmental conditions, and during courtship. In good lighting, their bodies can shimmer with a deep blue or violet hue.
• Active Swimmers: They are highly active fish and love swimming in groups, making them very entertaining to watch in a community tank.
• Endemic Species: The Kamaka Rainbowfish is native to a limited region in West Papua, Indonesia, making it a relatively rare species in the aquarium hobby.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Visual Appeal: Their vibrant blue-violet coloration and peaceful, active behavior make them a popular choice for community tanks.

• Beginner-Friendly: Kamaka Rainbowfish are relatively hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists, provided they are kept in clean water with stable parameters.

  Key Care Tips:

  • Stable Water Quality: Regular water changes and consistent filtration are key to keeping Kamaka Rainbowfish healthy and maintaining their vibrant colors.
  • Group Size: Keep them in schools of 6 or more to promote natural behavior and ensure they are comfortable.
  • Balanced Diet: A varied diet with a combination of high-quality protein and plant-based foods will keep them healthy and colorful.