Description
Lake Kuromoi Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) – A Rare Jewel from West Papua
The Lake Kuromoi Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) is a rare and captivating species native to the isolated Lake Kuromoi in West Papua, Indonesia. Known for its stunning iridescent sheen and unique combination of bluish-silver bodies with golden and copper highlights, this rainbowfish brings a refined, exotic presence to any aquarium.
Males develop richer coloration with age, especially when kept in groups and under optimal conditions. Their active schooling behavior, peaceful temperament, and rarity in the hobby make them a prized addition for serious rainbowfish enthusiasts.
Key Features:
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Latin Name: Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
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Common Name: Lake Kuromoi Rainbowfish
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Coloration: Silvery-blue body with coppery accents and iridescent sheen
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Temperament: Peaceful, active, and sociable
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Size: Up to 4 inches
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Tank Requirements: Minimum 30–40 gallons, with plants and open swimming space
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Diet: Omnivorous—flakes, micro pellets, live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia
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Compatibility: Great for peaceful community tanks; should be kept in groups of 6 or more
Tips:
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Keep in a planted aquarium with good filtration and regular water changes.
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A darker substrate and background will enhance their natural iridescence.
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Feed a variety of high-quality foods to promote vibrant colors.
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Maintain stable water conditions, as they prefer clean, well-oxygenated environments.
Why Choose This Fish?
The Lake Kuromoi Rainbowfish is perfect for aquarists seeking a rare and graceful centerpiece fish. Its shimmering appearance, gentle nature, and limited availability make it a distinctive choice that adds both beauty and uniqueness to your freshwater setup.
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
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