Black Rice Fish

Rice Fish – Care Guide & Aquarium Companions

Rice Fish are small, peaceful and attractive freshwater fish known for their calm behaviour, schooling nature and easy care. They belong mainly to the Oryzias genus and are popular in planted, nano and community aquariums.

Popular varieties include Japanese Rice Fish (Medaka), Daisy’s Rice Fish, Blue Rice Fish, Orange Medaka, Platinum Medaka and many selectively bred colour forms.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size:
A minimum of around 30–50 litres is suitable for a small group, while larger aquariums allow for more natural schooling behaviour.

Water Temperature:
Generally 18°C – 28°C, depending on the species.

pH Range:
Approximately 6.5 – 8.0.

Aquarium Setup

Rice Fish are adaptable but do especially well in planted aquariums with calm swimming areas.

A suitable setup should include:

• Live plants

• Floating plants

• Moss

• Driftwood

• Open swimming areas

• Gentle filtration

• Clean and stable water

• A secure aquarium lid

Floating plants are useful because Rice Fish often spend time near the surface and may also use plants during breeding.

Feeding

Rice Fish are omnivorous and accept a wide variety of small foods.

Suitable foods include:

• High-quality micro pellets

• Fine flakes

• Baby brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Mosquito larvae

• Micro worms

• Frozen foods

• Small live foods

A varied diet helps maintain healthy growth, strong colour and breeding condition.

Behaviour & Grouping

Rice Fish are peaceful and social fish that are best kept in groups.

A group of at least 6–8 or more is recommended.

Larger groups usually display more natural behaviour and feel more secure in the aquarium.

They are generally calm and suitable for peaceful community setups.

Suitable Tank Companions

Rice Fish can usually be kept with:

Small Rasboras • Small Tetras • Corydoras • Small Loaches • Otocinclus • Peaceful Shrimp • Nerite Snails and other small peaceful community fish

Choose tank companions that share similar temperature requirements.

Avoid large, aggressive or predatory fish that may chase or eat them.

Breeding

Rice Fish are relatively easy to breed.

Females may carry a cluster of eggs near the body before attaching them to:

• Fine-leaved plants

• Moss

• Floating plant roots

• Spawning mops

Adult fish may occasionally eat eggs or fry, so a separate breeding setup can improve survival rates.

Important Note

Different Rice Fish species can have different temperature and water requirements.

For example, Japanese Medaka can tolerate cooler conditions, while some tropical Oryzias species prefer warmer water.

Always check the exact species before choosing tank companions and aquarium temperature.

With stable water conditions, a suitable group size, peaceful companions and a varied diet, Rice Fish are hardy, colourful and rewarding additions to freshwater aquariums.