Description
Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia ajamaruensis) – A Vivid Native of the Bird’s Head Peninsula
The Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia ajamaruensis) is an exceptionally vibrant species native to the crystal-clear waters of the Ajamaru Lakes in West Papua, Indonesia. Celebrated for its radiant blend of orange, yellow, and electric blue hues, this rainbowfish showcases an ever-changing iridescence that becomes more intense as the fish matures—especially in dominant males.
This rare and colorful species thrives in well-maintained community aquariums and displays its best colors when kept in groups. Its peaceful demeanor and lively schooling behavior make it both a visual and behavioral delight for freshwater fishkeepers.
Key Features:
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Latin Name: Melanotaenia ajamaruensis
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Common Name: Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish
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Coloration: Iridescent orange and blue body with gold accents and red-orange fins
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Temperament: Peaceful, social, and energetic
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Size: Up to 5 inches
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Tank Requirements: Minimum 40 gallons, with plants, moderate flow, and open swimming areas
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Diet: Omnivorous—high-quality flakes, micro pellets, live/frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia
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Compatibility: Excellent with other peaceful species; best kept in groups of 6+ for best coloration and behavior
Tips:
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Use a dark substrate and bright lighting to bring out their full spectrum of colors.
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Include a mix of males and females to encourage natural displays and breeding behavior.
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Maintain clean water and consistent conditions to keep the fish healthy and vibrant.
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Add live plants to replicate their native habitat and enhance comfort.
Why Choose This Fish?
The Ajamaru Lakes Rainbowfish is a rare gem that offers both brilliant color and captivating activity. Ideal for aquarists looking to add a touch of the exotic, this species rewards careful care with unmatched vibrancy and charm—making it a standout addition to any peaceful freshwater aquarium.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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