Kali Jakora Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia jakora)
The Kali Jakora Rainbowfish is a rare and beautiful New Guinea rainbowfish, known in the hobby for its sparkling blue-white scale highlights, soft grey to pinkish body tones and attractive colour flashes through the fins. Previously traded as Melanotaenia sp. “Kali Jakora” or the “Sparkle” Rainbowfish, this species has since been formally described as Melanotaenia jakora. It is a smaller, peaceful rainbowfish that makes an excellent choice for a mature planted aquarium, especially for keepers interested in unusual locality-type rainbowfish from West Papua.
Common Name
Kali Jakora Rainbowfish. Also commonly referred to as the Sparkle Rainbowfish, Jakora Rainbowfish or Melanotaenia sp. “Kal
| Species | Melanotaenia jakora |
|---|---|
| Origin | West Papua, Indonesia |
| Size | Up to 5 cm (2 inches) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Water Conditions | Soft, warm water (24-26°C), pH 6.0–7.0 |
FAQ
What makes the Kali Jakora Rainbowfish different from other rainbowfish?
The Kali Jakora Rainbowfish is distinguished by its sparkling blue-white scale highlights and soft grey to pinkish body tones, with vivid colour flashes through the fins. It is a smaller species from West Papua, making it ideal for planted tanks and appealing to collectors seeking rare, locality-specific rainbowfish.
Is the Kali Jakora Rainbowfish suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is a peaceful and relatively easy-to-care-for fish, making it a good choice for beginners who want to keep a unique and attractive aquarium species in a mature planted environment.
What kind of tank setup works best for Kali Jakora Rainbowfish?
A mature planted aquarium with soft, warm water and moderate current works best. The fish thrive in environments with plenty of cover and subdued lighting to enhance their natural colouration.
Eric Fisher –
I’ve kept the Kali Jakora for three months now and it’s become a highlight in my planted tank. The blue-white flashes are stunning, especially in low light. It’s very peaceful and doesn’t stress other fish. The only thing is it needs stable water conditions, which I’ve maintained carefully.
Molly Lewis –
The fish arrived healthy and looks vibrant. I was drawn to it because of the unique colouring. It’s not as active as some other rainbowfish, but it’s calm and fits well in my community tank with tetras and dwarf corydoras.
Michelle Underwood –
This is one of the rarest rainbowfish I’ve seen. The colour flash through the fins is mesmerizing. I keep it in a 40-liter planted tank with driftwood and moss. It’s very easy to maintain and doesn’t require much space.