Chilatherina sp. “Kali Awalim” Rainbowfish
Another C. fasciata type from close to the Papua/PNG border, this brilliant blue-purple fish was discovered near Yuruf Village in “Kali Awalim” stream by Gary Lange’s collecting team.
Males start off olive green with peachish-pink in the fins and later fill out with half-blue (sometimes gunmetal steel blue), half-white in the body with pink pectoral fins while females maintain that grey-green and later add hints of blue shine. Even as juveniles the “Chilatherina bars” fright patterning is quite prominent, and these stay with them as a prominent characteristic even into adulthood.
These are a very active Chilatherina and you’ll catch young males flashing yellow, green, pink, orange head stripes while sparring constantly with conspecifics and other rainbows in your tank. Even the females show subtle color shifts as they mature.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kali Awalim stream, near Yuruf Village, Papua/PNG border |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Males develop blue and white body patterns with pink fins; females remain grey-green with blue highlights |
| Behavior | Highly active; males display vibrant color flashes during sparring |
| Fin Pattern | Distinct “Chilatherina bars” fright patterning present from juvenile stage |
FAQ
What is the origin of this rainbowfish species?
This species was discovered near Yuruf Village in the Kali Awalim stream, close to the border of Papua and PNG.
How do male and female Chilatherina sp. “Kali Awalim” differ in appearance?
Males start olive green with peachish-pink fins and develop half-blue, half-white bodies with pink pectoral fins. Females remain grey-green and develop subtle blue shine as they mature.
Are these fish active in a home aquarium?
Yes, they are very active and display vibrant color flashes, especially young males, during sparring with other fish.
Keith Hodges –
The fish are very lively and show beautiful color changes as they grow. The pattern on their bodies is striking and remains visible even in adulthood. I’ve noticed males flashing bright colors during tank interactions, which adds a lot of visual interest.
Carl Bell –
Arrived healthy and quickly settled into the tank. The blue and white body pattern of the males is quite unique. The fright patterning is clearly visible and stands out among other rainbowfish.
Julian Hodges –
Great addition to a community tank. The fish are active and show natural behaviors like flashing and sparring. The coloration is vibrant and changes with age, making them a dynamic presence.