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Kali Tawa Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp.)

$5999 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
SKU: 28213717332158

Delivery and Shipping

Product Refunds & Returns

  • Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
  • To return products, they must be in original condition
  • Shipping expenses are not refundable
  • If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only

  • We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
  • The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
  • Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
  • If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.

7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)

  • We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
  • Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.

Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders

  • Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.

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Kali Tawa Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp.)

Description

Kali Tawa Rainbowfish is a rare, undescribed species of rainbowfish highly prized in the aquarium hobby for its refined body shape and striking red tail contrasted against shimmering blue‑silver flanks.

Taxonomy & Status

  • Genus: Melanotaenia
  • Species: Undescribed (referred to by collection locality)
  • Common name: Kali Tawa Rainbowfish

 Natural Origin

  • Location: Papua (West Papua, Indonesia / New Guinea region)
  • Habitat: Clear, slow‑moving forest streams and tributaries (“kali” means stream), especially areas with submerged roots and bank‑side debris 
  • Distribution: Extremely localized, contributing to its rarity in the wild 

Appearance

  • Adult size: ~6–7 cm (2.5–3 inches)
  • Coloration:
    • Males develop vivid red tail fins
    • Iridescent blue, silver, and subtle gold body tones
    • Color intensifies with maturity, diet, and group dynamics
  • Sexual dimorphism:
    • Males larger, deeper‑bodied, and more colorful
    • Females slimmer and paler 

Aquarium Care Guide

Care level: Easy to moderate (excellent for rainbowfish keepers)

Tank Requirements

  • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (larger preferred for schools)
  • Best kept in: Groups of 6+ to reduce stress and improve color 
  • Aquascape:
    • Open swimming space in the center
    • Plants, wood, or root‑like décor along sides and back
    • Floating plants helpful to diffuse strong lighting 

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Water quality: Clean, well‑oxygenated, with gentle current 

 Diet

  • Type: Omnivore
  • Foods accepted:
    • High‑quality flakes or micro‑pellets
    • Frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae)
    • Live foods boost coloration and conditioning

 Behavior & Compatibility

  • Peaceful, active mid‑water swimmer
  • Excellent community fish with similarly sized, non‑aggressive species
  • Does not damage plants
  • Juveniles are often understated—patience is rewarded as they mature 

 Breeding Notes (Advanced)

  • Spawning type: Continuous egg scatterer
  • Method:
    • Use spawning mops or fine‑leaved plants
    • Eggs laid over days or weeks
  • Adults may eat eggs unless well fed or separated
  • Fry are tiny and require very fine initial foods 

 Why It’s Special

  • Considered a “holy grail” rainbowfish among enthusiasts
  • Rare in nature, but increasingly available tank‑bred, helping protect wild populations
  • Subtle beauty that evolves dramatically over time

 

 

Specifications
  • Category
    Rainbowfish
  • Water pH Level
    Acidic, Neutral
  • Habitat Preference
    Planted Tanks, Hiding Spots, Driftwood
  • Behaviour
    Community Fish, Schooling

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Kali Tawa Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp.) | Rainbowfish Killifish & Danios | Largest Tropical Fish Selection at Your Local Fish Store
Colin Campbell (local breeder)

Kali Tawa Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp.)

$5999 CAD

Kali Tawa Rainbowfish is a rare, undescribed species of rainbowfish highly prized in the aquarium hobby for its refined body shape and striking red tail contrasted against shimmering blue‑silver flanks.

Taxonomy & Status

  • Genus: Melanotaenia
  • Species: Undescribed (referred to by collection locality)
  • Common name: Kali Tawa Rainbowfish

 Natural Origin

  • Location: Papua (West Papua, Indonesia / New Guinea region)
  • Habitat: Clear, slow‑moving forest streams and tributaries (“kali” means stream), especially areas with submerged roots and bank‑side debris 
  • Distribution: Extremely localized, contributing to its rarity in the wild 

Appearance

  • Adult size: ~6–7 cm (2.5–3 inches)
  • Coloration:
    • Males develop vivid red tail fins
    • Iridescent blue, silver, and subtle gold body tones
    • Color intensifies with maturity, diet, and group dynamics
  • Sexual dimorphism:
    • Males larger, deeper‑bodied, and more colorful
    • Females slimmer and paler 

Aquarium Care Guide

Care level: Easy to moderate (excellent for rainbowfish keepers)

Tank Requirements

  • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (larger preferred for schools)
  • Best kept in: Groups of 6+ to reduce stress and improve color 
  • Aquascape:
    • Open swimming space in the center
    • Plants, wood, or root‑like décor along sides and back
    • Floating plants helpful to diffuse strong lighting 

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Water quality: Clean, well‑oxygenated, with gentle current 

 Diet

  • Type: Omnivore
  • Foods accepted:
    • High‑quality flakes or micro‑pellets
    • Frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae)
    • Live foods boost coloration and conditioning

 Behavior & Compatibility

  • Peaceful, active mid‑water swimmer
  • Excellent community fish with similarly sized, non‑aggressive species
  • Does not damage plants
  • Juveniles are often understated—patience is rewarded as they mature 

 Breeding Notes (Advanced)

  • Spawning type: Continuous egg scatterer
  • Method:
    • Use spawning mops or fine‑leaved plants
    • Eggs laid over days or weeks
  • Adults may eat eggs unless well fed or separated
  • Fry are tiny and require very fine initial foods 

 Why It’s Special

  • Considered a “holy grail” rainbowfish among enthusiasts
  • Rare in nature, but increasingly available tank‑bred, helping protect wild populations
  • Subtle beauty that evolves dramatically over time

 

 


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