Javanese Ricefish

The Javanese ricefish is a tropical relative of the medaka. It lives in mangroves, estuaries, ditches and swamps near the coast in Southeast Asia; it can be found in both fresh and brackish water. With its semi-transparent body with a faint bluish sheen, large eyes and upturned mouth, it is a typical surface fish. Females carry the egg cluster under their belly for a while before depositing it on plants. Although it is not a showy species, its calmness and hardiness make it suitable for small planted or brackish aquariums.

• At least 40 liters for a group of 6–10.
• Floating plants, fine-leaved plants and an open swimming area.
• 24–27°C, moderately hard water; slightly salty brackish water if desired.
• Weak flow and a tight lid; 25% water change weekly.

Omnivorous, with a small mouth. It readily takes fine flakes and floating micro granules; the diet should be varied with newly hatched brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia.

Peaceful and social; it roams just below the surface in a loose group. Males have brief chases among themselves. It eats its own eggs and fry.

Good companions: dwarf shrimp, otocinclus, dwarf corydoras, small rasboras; in brackish water, small and calm brackish species.

Avoid: large and aggressive fish, fin nippers, any fish whose mouth it can fit into.