The Orange Ricefish is a small, peaceful freshwater fish prized for its vivid orange coloration and hardy nature. A selectively bred form of the Japanese ricefish, it thrives in both aquariums and outdoor tubs, making it popular among beginners and experienced aquarists alike. These fish are highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of temperatures (even cooler water), and display active schooling behavior near the surface. Their shimmering orange bodies can intensify in natural sunlight, especially in planted or outdoor setups. Orange ricefish are egg scatterers and relatively easy to breed, often carrying eggs attached near the female’s vent before depositing them on plants or spawning mops.
Category
Details
Scientific Name
Oryzias latipes (orange morph)
Common Name
Orange Ricefish / Orange Medaka
Tank Size
10+ gallons (larger for groups)
Group Size
6 or more (schooling fish)
Temperature
18–26°C (64–79°F), tolerates cooler
pH Range
6.5–8.0
Water Hardness
Soft to moderately hard
Behavior
Peaceful, surface-dwelling
Diet
Omnivore (flakes, micro pellets, live/frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp)
Tank Setup
Planted tank, floating plants preferred, gentle flow
Lifespan
2–4 years
Breeding
Easy; egg scatterer, use moss or spawning mops
Tankmates
Other peaceful nano fish, shrimp