Platinum Medaka Rice Fish (.75-1”)

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes (Platinum strain)

• Common Names: Platinum Medaka, Japanese Ricefish, Medaka Ricefish

• Family: Adrianichthyidae

• Origin: East Asia (Japan, Korea, China)

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling

• Lifespan: 2–4 years (longer in well-maintained setups)

Habitat

• Natural Environment:
  Native to slow-moving waters, including rice paddies, marshes, ponds, and small streams. These environments typically have shallow, calm water and are rich in plant life.

• Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 64–79°F (18–26°C) — very cold-tolerant (can survive down to 50°F / 10°C)

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Extremely adaptable and tolerant of a range of conditions

 Diet

• Omnivorous:
  In the wild, they consume:

  • Algae

  • Small aquatic invertebrates

  • Zooplankton

  • Detritus

• In Captivity:
  They readily accept:

  • High-quality micro pellets or flakes

  • Live or frozen foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms)

  • Occasional crushed bloodworms or finely chopped blackworms

  • Algae wafers or spirulina-based foods (for variety)

Feeding Tip: Their small mouths require finely crushed or small-sized food particles.

 Maximum Size

• Adult Size: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches)

• Males are typically slimmer with longer fins, while females have rounder bellies (especially when carrying eggs)

 Recommended Aquarium Size

• Minimum Tank Size:

  • 5–10 gallons (19–38 liters) for a small group

  • Preferably 15+ gallons (57+ liters) for larger schools or breeding colonies

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

  • Plants: Floating plants (like Salvinia or hornwort), mosses, and stem plants for egg-laying and shelter

  • Decor: Smooth rocks, driftwood, and open swimming space

  • Gentle filtration (sponge filter ideal for breeding tanks)

  • Low to moderate lighting enhances their reflective color

• Water Flow: Very gentle — they thrive in still or slow-moving water

 Tank Mates

• Excellent Community Fish:

  • Suitable with other peaceful nano species such as:

    • Neon tetras

    • Celestial pearl danios

    • Shrimp (e.g., cherry or Amano shrimp)

    • Otocinclus or pygmy Corydoras

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers

  • Large or aggressive fish that may see them as food

Notes on Behavior and Care

• Peaceful and social — thrive in groups of 6 or more

• Top- and mid-level swimmers

• Easy to breed: They scatter eggs that stick to fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

• Hardy and ideal for beginners, but sensitive to poor water quality over time