Kohaku Rice Fish Oryzias Latipes - 3cm

Overview

The Kohaku Ricefish is an ornamental strain of the Japanese Medaka bred to echo the red-and-white Kohaku koi pattern, with a creamy white body splashed with orange-red on the head and back. It is a hardy, peaceful surface swimmer descended from wild fish of East Asian rice paddies and streams. It suits beginners, nano community tanks and unheated tubs or garden ponds.

• Adult Size: Around 3.5–4 cm (1.5 in); females slightly plumper
• Lifespan: 3–5 years; shorter if kept permanently warm

Origin

• Native to: Japan, Korea, China (captive-bred colour form)
• Habitat: Rice paddies, ditches, ponds and slow streams

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous micropredator
• Preferred Foods: Micro pellets, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Small feeds once or twice daily; live foods boost colour and spawning

Tank Mates

• Best with: Rasboras, small tetras, endlers, shrimp, snails
• Avoid: Large, boisterous or predatory fish; strong fin-nippers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Completely peaceful, active and social
• Territoriality: None; males chase briefly when spawning

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Needs a group of 6+ and a lid; avoid constant high heat

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, neutral to moderately hard
• Temperature: 16–26°C (61–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–8.5
• Hardness: 5–25 dGH
• Flow: Slow
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 litres for a group of six; planted tubs and ponds also suit

Final Notes

These fish stay small, breed readily and can be kept indoors or outside in mild weather, but bring them in or protect them from freezing in winter. Females carry clusters of adhesive eggs beneath the body before hanging them on fine plants or spawning mops, and fry are easily raised on microworm. Colour is strongest in daylight or under bright lighting, and a well planted tub full of Kohaku Ricefish is a delight.