Our Guide To Keeping Starlight Medaka Rice Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Oryzias latipes
   • Common name: Starlight Medaka
   • Family: Adrianichthyidae
   • Origin: Selectively bred variant from Japan
   • Adult length: 3 to 4 cm
   • Lifespan: 2 to 4 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Easy
   • Temperament: Peaceful

2. Tank Setup:

   • Starlight Medaka prefer a well-lit, planted aquarium with open swimming areas. A minimum of 20L is recommended for a small group.
   • Provide floating plants and fine-leaved greenery to highlight their glimmering appearance and offer shelter.

3. Water Parameters:

   • They do well in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 and are known for their adaptability.
   • Ideal temperature is 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), though they can tolerate slightly cooler conditions.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use a sponge filter or a low-flow filter to keep the water clean while maintaining gentle water movement.

5. Diet:

   • Feed them a balanced diet of high-quality flakes or micro pellets designed for small tropical fish.
   • Boost their health and coloration with occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, or cyclops.

6. Tank mates:

   • Starlight Medaka are peaceful and suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish like cherry shrimp, endlers, and small rasboras.
   • Avoid larger or aggressive tank mates that may outcompete or harass them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • They are active, peaceful schooling fish that do best in groups of six or more.
   • Starlight Medaka display best colors under natural or soft LED lighting, which emphasizes their sparkling, starry appearance.