{"product_id":"kali-tawa-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-sp-kali-tawa","title":"Kali Tawa Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Sp. \"Kali Tawa\"","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"1k97lip\" data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"526\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eKali Tawa Rainbowfish – \u003cem data-start=\"496\" data-end=\"510\"\u003eMelanotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Kali Tawa”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"528\" data-end=\"540\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"541\" data-end=\"1055\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"545\" data-end=\"570\"\u003eKali Tawa Rainbowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rare and highly sought-after undescribed rainbowfish from West Papua, admired for its shimmering blue-green body, pale contrasting fins and vivid red tail in mature males. Although sometimes described as a dwarf rainbowfish, \u003cstrong data-start=\"801\" data-end=\"833\"\u003eMelanotaenia sp. “Kali Tawa”\u003c\/strong\u003e is still an active shoaling fish that needs clean, well-oxygenated water and room to move. Large specimens can already show excellent colour, especially in a settled mixed-sex group with a good diet and stable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1353\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1096\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kali Tawa Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1121\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1121\" data-end=\"1137\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kali Tawa Dwarf Rainbowfish, Tawa Rainbowfish, Lengguru Rainbowfish, Red-tailed Kali Tawa Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1242\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1263\" data-end=\"1277\"\u003eMelanotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Kali Tawa”\u003cbr data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1296\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rainbowfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1325\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1340\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1382\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1760\"\u003eThe Kali Tawa Rainbowfish is an undescribed species from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1516\"\u003eLengguru Valley \/ Lengguru Mountains region of West Papua, Indonesia\u003c\/strong\u003e. Aquarium Glaser notes that it entered the aquarium hobby in 2019 and remains scientifically undescribed, while German trade sources describe it from the remote Lengguru Valley in south-western New Guinea. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"2136\"\u003eIts habitat is associated with clear, flowing streams in limestone karst country. This means aquarium care should focus on clean water, good oxygenation, moderate flow and stable mineral content rather than soft acidic blackwater conditions. Collection and trade notes also describe fish staying near bankside debris, roots and shelter. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2165\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2503\"\u003eMature males are especially attractive, with a metallic blue to blue-green upper body, paler lower body and a bright red tail. Some lines also show orange to red highlights along the fins and flanks, depending on sex, age, mood and lighting. Females are usually more subtle but are important for natural group behaviour and male display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2719\"\u003eThis is a smaller \u003cem data-start=\"2523\" data-end=\"2537\"\u003eMelanotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e, usually reaching around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2563\" data-end=\"2573\"\u003e6–8 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Some trade references give \u003cstrong data-start=\"2602\" data-end=\"2612\"\u003e6–7 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while other locality notes describe adults reaching about \u003cstrong data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2680\"\u003e8 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2745\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"3124\"\u003eThis species is best suited to a mature planted aquarium, specialist rainbowfish setup or peaceful community with similar-sized active fish. It appreciates open swimming room through the middle of the aquarium, with plants, wood, roots or décor around the edges for cover. Large sale-size fish should be given space immediately, as adult males are active and display frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3279\"\u003eIt is not suitable for nano aquariums, very soft acidic setups, aggressive communities or slow timid fish that may be stressed by fast feeding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3310\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3568\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3334\" data-end=\"3360\"\u003e120 litres for a group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3389\"\u003e150 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred for a larger shoal and better display behaviour. A tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3475\" data-end=\"3484\"\u003e90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended, as this is an active midwater fish despite its moderate adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3570\" data-end=\"3590\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"4179\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3607\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23–27°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3618\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3618\" data-end=\"3625\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.0\u003cbr data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3636\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3649\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard preferred\u003cbr data-start=\"3683\" data-end=\"3686\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3686\" data-end=\"3707\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide clean, well-filtered and well-oxygenated water with regular partial water changes. The Lengguru karst habitat suggests mineral-rich water, and trade guidance describes the natural water as relatively hard and calcareous. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Avoid consistently high temperatures if breeding is intended, as hobby breeding notes suggest cooler mid-20s °C conditions may help achieve a more balanced sex ratio. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4181\" data-end=\"4209\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4210\" data-end=\"4249\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4210\" data-end=\"4232\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4251\" data-end=\"4554\"\u003eKali Tawa Rainbowfish are peaceful, active shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include small to medium rainbowfish, danios, peaceful barbs, robust rasboras, larger small tetras, Cory-type catfish suited to similar water, bristlenose plecs and other calm community fish that enjoy clean, oxygenated water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4556\" data-end=\"4869\"\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers, very tiny fish and slow delicate species that may be intimidated at feeding time. Keep in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4708\" data-end=\"4722\"\u003eat least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4745\"\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred. A mixed-sex group gives the best colour and display, as males intensify when showing to females and rival males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4871\" data-end=\"4882\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4883\" data-end=\"5289\"\u003eKali Tawa Rainbowfish are easy-feeding omnivores once settled. Offer quality flakes, small granules and rainbowfish pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and small bloodworm. Include vegetable or algae-based foods for balance. They are quick feeders, so use measured portions and make sure quieter tank mates still get food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5291\" data-end=\"5320\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5668\"\u003eThis is an active midwater to upper-level rainbowfish that swims in a loose group. Males display with raised fins, brighter body colour and a vivid red tail, especially in the morning, after water changes or when females are nearby. They are lively rather than aggressive, and large settled males can become very eye-catching in a planted display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5670\" data-end=\"5684\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5685\" data-end=\"6158\"\u003eKeep in a mature aquarium with stable water, good oxygenation and a secure lid, as rainbowfish can jump when startled. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as small numbers can become nervous and less colourful. Locality fish such as \u003cstrong data-start=\"5914\" data-end=\"5927\"\u003eKali Tawa\u003c\/strong\u003e should not be mixed with other similar \u003cem data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5981\"\u003eMelanotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e if breeding may occur, as this can lose the identity of this rare strain. Maintain clean water and avoid overcrowding, as colour and health are closely linked to water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6160\" data-end=\"6179\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6180\" data-end=\"6204\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6206\" data-end=\"6222\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6223\" data-end=\"6289\"\u003eRare \/ Specialist rainbowfish strain \/ Captive-bred when available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6291\" data-end=\"6311\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6312\" data-end=\"6507\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43675193081930,"sku":"AG-102730","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43675193114698,"sku":"AG-102731","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43675193147466,"sku":"AG-102732","price":11.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43675193180234,"sku":"AG-102733","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/KaliTawaRainbowfish-LargeMelanotaeniaSp.KaliTawa_1.jpg?v=1780758665","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/kali-tawa-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-sp-kali-tawa","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}