The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape continues to evolve, with privacy emerging as a critical frontier. At the forefront of this movement is Calamari, the canary network for Manta Network, now making waves on Kusama with its groundbreaking zero-knowledge (ZK) privacy solutions. Designed to test and deploy cutting-edge privacy features before mainnet launch, Calamari has become a vital proving ground for scalable, secure, and private blockchain interactions.
This article explores Calamari’s pivotal role in the Polkadot and Kusama ecosystems, its integration of the MantaPay protocol, cross-chain capabilities via SubBridge, and the broader implications for user privacy in Web3.
What Is Calamari?
Calamari is the Kusama-based canary network of Manta Network — a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain leveraging zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to enable anonymous transactions. As a canary network, Calamari serves as an early deployment environment where new features, upgrades, and protocols are stress-tested under real-world conditions before being rolled out on Manta Network’s mainnet.
Launched after winning the seventh Kusama parachain slot auction in September 2021, Calamari secured over 218,000 KSM through community-led contributions from more than 16,000 participants. This strong community support underscored growing demand for privacy-preserving infrastructure in public blockchains.
👉 Discover how ZK-powered privacy networks are shaping the future of DeFi.
MantaPay Goes Live on Calamari
In a major milestone for privacy tech, MantaPay, the ZK-based privacy payment protocol, officially launched on Calamari in March 2025. MantaPay allows users to conduct fully private transactions by leveraging zkSNARKs — a type of zero-knowledge proof that verifies transaction validity without revealing sender, receiver, or amount.
Key Features of MantaPay:
- Multi-asset support: Users can bridge ERC-20 tokens into MantaPay for private transfers.
- Future NFT privacy: Planned support for ERC-721 and ERC-1155 assets will allow confidential NFT trading.
- Selective disclosure: A unique Viewing Key enables users to voluntarily reveal transaction details when needed — ideal for audits or compliance.
By deploying MantaPay first on Calamari, Manta Network ensures robust security testing and user feedback collection ahead of the mainnet rollout. This phased approach minimizes risks while accelerating innovation.
Cross-Chain Connectivity: SubBridge Integration
Interoperability is essential in today’s multi-chain world. In August 2022, Phala Network’s SubBridge enabled bidirectional HRMP (Horizontal Relay-routed Message Passing) channels between Khala, Basilisk, Calamari, and Turing. This integration allows seamless cross-chain transfers of assets like:
- KMA (Calamari’s native token)
- BSX (Basilisk)
- TUR (Turing)
Users can now move assets between these Kusama parachains and Khala, unlocking new use cases in lending, staking, and DeFi composability.
SubBridge currently supports multiple parachains and tokens, including PHA, MOVR, KAR, BNC, ZLK, and more — making it a cornerstone of Phala’s vision for a trustless cross-chain ecosystem.
Tokenomics and Exchange Listings
The KMA token serves as Calamari’s utility and governance asset. Following successful community fundraising through a crowdloan campaign — where over 3.33 million DOT were pledged for Manta’s Polkadot slot bid — KMA distribution was completed with initial unlocks beginning November 28, 2021.
Shortly after, major exchanges including Huobi, KuCoin, and MEXC announced listings for $KMA, opening global trading access starting November 29, 2021. These listings significantly boosted liquidity and visibility for the project, reinforcing confidence in Manta Network’s long-term roadmap.
Additionally, 15.6% of the total MANTA supply is reserved for crowdloan contributors, incentivizing community participation across platforms like Binance, OKX, and Huobi.
👉 Learn how early participation in parachain auctions can yield high-value rewards.
Why Privacy Matters in Web3
While blockchain transparency offers accountability, it also exposes sensitive financial data. Every transaction is publicly traceable — a concern for individuals and institutions alike. This is where ZK-based privacy layers like Calamari step in.
With rising regulatory scrutiny and surveillance tools capable of de-anonymizing wallet activity, true financial privacy is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Projects like MantaPay offer a balanced solution: full anonymity by default, with optional transparency via Viewing Keys.
This model aligns with real-world needs — think of it as “private by default, auditable when necessary” — giving users control over their data without compromising compliance requirements.
The Road Ahead: From Calamari to Manta Mainnet
Calamari isn’t just a testnet — it’s a live, functional network driving innovation in ZK privacy. As the first zkSNARK-based privacy parachain on Kusama, it paves the way for Manta Network’s mainnet launch on Polkadot.
Future developments include:
- Expansion of private asset types (including SBTs and NFTs)
- Enhanced developer tooling for building zkDApps
- Deeper integrations with DeFi protocols across Polkadot and Ethereum
With backing from top-tier investors such as Binance Labs, Polychain Capital, ParaFi, CoinFund, Hypersphere, CMS Holdings, and LongHash Ventures, Manta Network is well-positioned to lead the next wave of private decentralized applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Calamari and Manta Network?
Calamari is the Kusama-based canary network for Manta Network. It acts as an early-release environment where new features — like MantaPay — are tested before deployment on Manta’s Polkadot mainnet.
How does MantaPay ensure transaction privacy?
MantaPay uses zkSNARK technology to obscure transaction details such as sender, receiver, and amount. Only the validity of the transaction is proven on-chain, ensuring full anonymity while maintaining network integrity.
Can I use NFTs privately on Calamari?
Currently, MantaPay supports ERC-20 tokens for private transfers. Support for ERC-721 and ERC-1155 NFTs is planned for future upgrades, enabling confidential NFT trading and ownership.
How do I get KMA tokens?
KMA tokens were distributed to crowdloan participants who supported Calamari’s parachain auction. The token is also listed on major exchanges including Huobi, KuCoin, and MEXC, where it can be traded directly.
Is ZK-based privacy legal?
Yes. Zero-knowledge proofs provide cryptographic privacy without enabling illicit activity. With features like optional disclosure via Viewing Keys, ZK protocols support both user privacy and regulatory compliance.
Why choose Calamari over other privacy solutions?
Calamari stands out as the first zkSNARK-powered privacy parachain on Kusama. Its integration with Polkadot’s ecosystem, strong investor backing, and focus on user-controlled privacy make it a leading innovator in Web3 security.
Final Thoughts
Calamari represents a bold step toward a more private and user-centric internet. By combining the power of zero-knowledge proofs with real-time cross-chain functionality and community-driven governance, it sets a new standard for what privacy-preserving blockchains can achieve.
As MantaPay gains traction and anticipation builds for the mainnet launch, now is the time to understand how ZK technologies are redefining digital ownership and financial sovereignty.
👉 Explore OKX to stay ahead in the evolving world of ZK blockchains and privacy DeFi.
Core Keywords:
Calamari, Manta Network, MantaPay, ZK privacy, zkSNARK, KMA token, Kusama parachain