Our Guide To Keeping Red Emperor Medaka Ricefish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Oryzias latipes
   • Common name: Red Emperor Medaka Ricefish
   • Family: Adrianichthyidae
   • Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan
   • Adult length: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches)
   • Lifespan: 2–4 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Easy
   • Temperament: Peaceful

2. Tank Setup:

   • Red Emperor Medaka Ricefish can be kept in both aquariums and outdoor ponds.
   • A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (40L) is recommended for a small group.
   • They thrive in a well-planted environment with floating plants such as duckweed, water lettuce, and Salvinia.
   • Provide some open swimming space and gentle filtration.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Red Emperor Medaka Ricefish thrive in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0.
   • Temperature should be maintained between 18 to 28°C (64 to 82°F), though they can tolerate cooler water.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • They prefer a gentle to moderate water flow, making sponge filters or low-flow hang-on-back filters ideal.

5. Diet:

   • Red Emperor Medaka Ricefish are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods.
   • Offer them high-quality micro pellets, flakes, and supplement with live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae.

6. Tank mates:

   • They are peaceful and do well with other small, non-aggressive fish such as guppies, endlers, small rasboras, and small shrimp.
   • Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory fish.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Red Emperor Medaka Ricefish are social and do best when kept in groups of at least 5–6 individuals.
   • They are active swimmers and can be observed exploring all levels of the aquarium.
   • They can be kept in outdoor ponds year-round in temperate climates, as they can tolerate temperature fluctuations.