GOLD JAPANESE RICEFISH (MEDAKA)
Common Name: Gold Medaka, Gold Japanese Ricefish
Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes — aquarium colour form
SPECIES OVERVIEW
Gold Medaka are a golden-yellow aquarium colour form of Japanese Ricefish. Their small size, surface-oriented activity and peaceful group behaviour make them an attractive choice for a planted aquarium with gentle water movement.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Aquarium Size: 50 litres for a small group
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Level: Mainly upper levels
Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 cm
Care Level: Easy in a mature, stable aquarium
WATER PARAMETERS
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH: 7.0–8.0
General Hardness: 50–300 ppm
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
AQUARIUM SETUP
Provide open surface space, planted margins and gentle filtration. Floating plants can offer shade, but leave clear areas for feeding. Fit a secure lid or cover, as ricefish can jump.
An unheated indoor aquarium may be suitable where room temperatures remain stable. Outdoor containers need protection from predators, overheating, sudden temperature changes and freezing. Acclimate gradually to seasonal conditions.
DIET & FEEDING
Offer fine floating or slow-sinking foods suitable for small fish. Supplement quality flakes or micro pellets with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as daphnia and baby brine shrimp. Feed small portions and remove uneaten food.
TANKMATES
Choose small, peaceful companions with similar temperature and water requirements. Avoid large predators, aggressive fish and boisterous feeders that may outcompete the medaka.
GROUP SIZE
Keep at least six, preferably more where space permits. Plants and visual barriers provide retreats during breeding activity.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Sold un-sexed. Females can carry a cluster of eggs briefly before attaching them to plants or a spawning mop. Adults may eat eggs and fry; use a separate rearing setup if raising young.
Colour and reflective sheen vary with age, lighting and individual fish. The colour name does not guarantee a particular specialist Japanese strain.
Approximate Sale Size: 2–2.5 cm. Individual sizes may vary.