Japanese (Medaka) Rice Fish
How to Care for Japanese Rice Fish (Medaka) Oryzias Latipes
Stats
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Peaceful: Yes
Temperature: 65-75
Plant Safe: Yes
Maximum Size: 1.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Breeding: Easy
Japanese Rice fish originally come from Japan, China, and Vietnam. The fish is somewhat common in those areas. In their native land they are usually referred to as Medaka fish. Let's go into more detail
Feeding
The Japanese Rice fish is not a picky eater, although they only grow to one and a half inches so food must not be overly large. They will eat just about anything that falls into the tank. In the wild they feast on small bugs that fall into the water, so live feedings are always appreciated. They are best fed with multiple small feedings throughout the day rather than one big one, but this is not crucial. It is also recommended to feed veggie based food at least a couple times every week for optimal health.
General Care
Medakas are really easy to care for, often similar to goldfish. They prefer water temperatures in the mid-lower 70's and go much lower than that. They are also very hardy, so they are great for beginner aquarists. They will swim in all areas of the tank with pleasure. They can tolerate brackish water as well.
These fish are best kept in at least a 10 gallon tank, with larger being better as with most fish. They should be kept with at least 4-6 of their own kind as they prefer to be in the company of other Medakas. They prefer a well planted tank with floating plants. This is because they come from rice patties full of vegetation. Without floating cover they are prone to jumping. Leaves and wood also make great hiding place for the fish since they release tannins which these fish prefer.
Japanese rice fish are peaceful and will do well with most community fish as long as they are temperature compatible. Excellent tank mates include most smaller danios, small natives, and loaches. They are most comfortable in slow moving water.
Breeding
Breeding these fish is very easy. Almost as easy as livebearers! To sex this fish look at their fins. The males will usually have extensions in their tail and anal fins. Females will not.
To breed them you will need java moss, spawning mops, or some other dense material. Usually conditioning is not necessary, but feeding bloodworms or similar food can help stubborn fish to spawn as well as produce larger clutches. The females will lay eggs in the morning which will stick to her in a glob. As she swims through the spawning surface the eggs will stick and fall off of the female. Usually the eggs are not eaten by the parents. Generally you will no longer see the eggs after noon.
The eggs will hatch after about three weeks. The fry are very small and will graze on infusoria in the tank. (Java moss and dried leaves are good sources of infusoria) They may also be fed vinegar eels and micro worms. Soon they will graduate on to baby's brine shrimp. You can usually find the fry hanging out at the top of the tank.
Conclusion
Medakas are a great fish to keep. They are easy in every aspect. Everyone should try them at least once in their fish keeping career.
Stats
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Peaceful: Yes
Temperature: 65-75
Plant Safe: Yes
Maximum Size: 1.5 inches
Care Level: Easy
Breeding: Easy
Japanese Rice fish originally come from Japan, China, and Vietnam. The fish is somewhat common in those areas. In their native land they are usually referred to as Medaka fish. Let's go into more detail
Feeding
The Japanese Rice fish is not a picky eater, although they only grow to one and a half inches so food must not be overly large. They will eat just about anything that falls into the tank. In the wild they feast on small bugs that fall into the water, so live feedings are always appreciated. They are best fed with multiple small feedings throughout the day rather than one big one, but this is not crucial. It is also recommended to feed veggie based food at least a couple times every week for optimal health.
General Care
Medakas are really easy to care for, often similar to goldfish. They prefer water temperatures in the mid-lower 70's and go much lower than that. They are also very hardy, so they are great for beginner aquarists. They will swim in all areas of the tank with pleasure. They can tolerate brackish water as well.
These fish are best kept in at least a 10 gallon tank, with larger being better as with most fish. They should be kept with at least 4-6 of their own kind as they prefer to be in the company of other Medakas. They prefer a well planted tank with floating plants. This is because they come from rice patties full of vegetation. Without floating cover they are prone to jumping. Leaves and wood also make great hiding place for the fish since they release tannins which these fish prefer.
Japanese rice fish are peaceful and will do well with most community fish as long as they are temperature compatible. Excellent tank mates include most smaller danios, small natives, and loaches. They are most comfortable in slow moving water.
Breeding
Breeding these fish is very easy. Almost as easy as livebearers! To sex this fish look at their fins. The males will usually have extensions in their tail and anal fins. Females will not.
To breed them you will need java moss, spawning mops, or some other dense material. Usually conditioning is not necessary, but feeding bloodworms or similar food can help stubborn fish to spawn as well as produce larger clutches. The females will lay eggs in the morning which will stick to her in a glob. As she swims through the spawning surface the eggs will stick and fall off of the female. Usually the eggs are not eaten by the parents. Generally you will no longer see the eggs after noon.
The eggs will hatch after about three weeks. The fry are very small and will graze on infusoria in the tank. (Java moss and dried leaves are good sources of infusoria) They may also be fed vinegar eels and micro worms. Soon they will graduate on to baby's brine shrimp. You can usually find the fry hanging out at the top of the tank.
Conclusion
Medakas are a great fish to keep. They are easy in every aspect. Everyone should try them at least once in their fish keeping career.