Rice Fish

Rice Fish was described by Temminck and Schlegel in the year 1846. Since the 17th century in Japan it has been a very famous aquarium fish. It grows to 1.6 inches (4 cm). It is a very hardy fish that can survive in warm or cold water. This cold water acceptance also makes it a good pick as a pond fish. Its other common names are Japanese Medaka, Japanese Killifish and Moonlight Medaka. Its scientific name is Oryzias latipes. If you are keen to know more about this fish, the following account can help you.

Geographical Distribution

Rice Fish is found in Japan, Korea, China and Viet Nam. It prefers to live in slow moving waters. It has also been introduced in Iran and Turkmenistan.

Diet

Rice Fish eats all types of foods and flakes and freeze-dried foods. It also eats frozen foods or smaller prepared foods, so feeding is not a problem with this fish.

Breeding

For breeding, the Rice Fish can be placed in a breeding tank which is having fine leaved plants or a spawning mop. They can be kept in the tank as a duo or in a small school. Dawn is usually the time when Spawning occurs. After the male has fertilized the eggs, many of them remain attached to the belly of female. The eggs detach from her as she swims around and comes into contact with water plants. Eggs are now attached to the plants. The eggs take10 to 12 days to hatch. You should feed infusoria, a liquid fry food, or newly hatched baby shrimp to the newly hatched fry.

Physical Description

The body of the Rice Fish is slim and elongated. Its back is slightly arched. It is a shining silver color morph. The wild form of this fish is not predominantly flamboyant but has some glistening blue-green flecks. It has large and almost bright eyes. The Rice Fish and the Gold Medaka are the color morphs that are bred in captivity. They are incandescently attractive varieties that are genetically modified and glow under dark surface of water.

Tank Set Up

Rice Fish can easily be kept in small or unheated aquariums. It needs a well planted tank. Take care for aeration and water should have good movement. This fish needs 7.0-8.0 pH and temperature should be 64 degree F- 75 degree F or 18 degree C- 24 degree C. Filtration for clean water is also required by them. Its tank mates should be of its size and peaceful.

Social Behavior

Rice Fish is a non-aggressive fish. It is the best choice for a community tank. It easily gels with other peaceful fishes of similar size.

Rice Fish is an easy fish to have as a pet and take care of. This fish is an amphidromous which means the fish that moves between fresh and salt water during some part of its life cycle. Its wild version is not as attractive as this fish. It is fortunate for the aquarists that there are bred color varieties that are attractive and are a good choice to be kept in aquariums at home.