Pink Medaka Rice Fish

Ricefish are similar to killifish but belong to their own genus, Oryzias, spread throughout Asia from China to Japan. Ricefish are schooling fish that swim near the surface of rice paddies to control the mosquito population. The pink medaka ricefish is bred to display a bold solid white and pinkish body so they can be seen in the rice fields – and of course in aquariums and ponds! Ricefish are sold individually but do best in a school of six or more. These are hardy fish that can handle temperatures down to the high 50s.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Ricefish stay near the surface, so give them plants, floating plants and a lid. They are cool-water fish and do fine at room temperature, and they also do well in outdoor ponds and patio tubs in warm months.

Feeding: Feed crushed flake or micro pellets once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Ricefish get along with other small, peaceful fish like white clouds, small rasboras, danios and shrimp. They can share an unheated tank with cool-water species, but avoid large or fast fish (including fancy goldfish) that may eat or outcompete them.

Good to know: Medaka have been kept in Japan for centuries and are one of the hardiest small fish in the hobby. Both sexes are colorful; males have slightly larger fins.