Platinum Medaka Ricefish

Description

Platinum Medaka Ricefish

The Platinum Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes var. Platinum) is a captivating freshwater species native to East Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. This selectively bred variant of the Japanese ricefish is renowned for its shimmering, metallic white or platinum-colored body, making it a stunning addition to any aquarium.​

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🐟 Appearance & Size

• Size: Typically reaches up to 1.5 inches (approximately 4 cm) in length.

• Coloration: Exhibits a sleek, elongated body with a metallic, iridescent platinum hue that shimmers under aquarium lighting.

• Fins: Translucent fins complement the fish’s opulent coloration, creating a mesmerizing display.​Pet Zone

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🌿 Habitat & Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 to 10 gallons (approximately 19 to 38 liters) is suitable for a small group of Platinum ricefish.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C)

  • pH: 6.5–8.0

  • Hardness: 5–19 dGH

• Filtration: Use a gentle sponge or internal filter with low flow to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.

• Aquascaping: Incorporate fine substrate, live plants, and floating vegetation to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots.​Aquatics UnlimitedPet Zone+1Pet Zone+1Aquadiction

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🧬 Behavior & Social Needs

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; best kept in groups of at least 6 to promote natural schooling behavior.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with other small, non-aggressive species such as small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid keeping with larger or aggressive fish that may outcompete them for food.

• Activity: Spend most of their time in the middle to top levels of the aquarium, exhibiting graceful swimming patterns.​Aquatics Unlimited

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🥗 Diet

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality micro-pellets, flakes, and sinking pellets.

• Treats: Occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are beneficial.

• Feeding Tips: Feed once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.​Aquadiction

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🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Egg scatterers; both parents may consume the eggs, so it’s advisable to remove them after spawning.

• Breeding Setup: Use a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Maintain a slightly higher temperature and provide low light conditions.

• Fry Care: Eggs hatch in 10–12 days; fry can be fed infusoria or commercial fry foods until large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or microworms.​

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🧼 Care Tips

• Water Quality: Maintain stable water conditions with regular water changes to prevent stress and disease.

• Tank Maintenance: Avoid overfeeding and remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

• Lighting: Provide low to moderate lighting; floating plants can help diffuse light and create a more natural environment.​

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🛒 Availability in South Africa

Platinum Medaka Ricefish are occasionally available at specialized aquarium stores in South Africa.