{"title":"Ricefish","description":"\u003cp\u003eRicefish, also known as medaka, are hardy Japanese natives that have been kept in outdoor tubs and ponds for centuries. We stock the golden ricefish and platinum ricefish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are surface fish, they tolerate cooler water than most tropicals, and they are one of the few species genuinely suited to an unheated indoor tank or a shaded outdoor tub in a Queensland climate. Viewed from above, which is how they were traditionally kept, the metallic sheen on the platinum form is far more striking than it is from the side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey breed readily, with females carrying eggs near the vent before depositing them on plants. Keep them in groups. See \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-delivery\"\u003eshipping and delivery\u003c\/a\u003e for live fish terms.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"golden-ricefish-oryzias-latipes","title":"Golden Ricefish | Oryzias latipes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Golden Ricefish, or Gold Medaka, is a hardy, cheerful surface shoaler glowing warm gold. Reaching only around 4 cm, it is a peaceful, easy nano fish that is quite happy in cool water and even in outdoor tubs and ponds — a lovely, forgiving top-level fish for beginners and aquascapers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) comes from the rice paddies, ditches, ponds and slow streams of Japan and East Asia. These are shallow, still, sun-warmed but seasonally cool waters, so the fish is naturally tolerant of temperature swings and thrives in unheated tanks and tubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA small, slender fish with an upturned mouth and eyes set high for surface feeding. The golden strain is a warm orange-gold all over; the wild type is a plainer silvery-brown. Both sexes reach about 3–4 cm, with males showing larger, more angular dorsal and anal fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThoroughly peaceful and sociable, best kept in a group of six or more where it shoals near the surface. It suits calm nano and cool-water communities and small planted tanks, and it is an excellent choice for outdoor summer tubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA micro-omnivore and unfussy feeder. Offer small floating flakes and micro-pellets along with tiny live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp. Its upturned mouth means it feeds best at the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtremely hardy and adaptable, tolerating a very wide temperature range and needing no heater in most Australian climates. Provide gentle flow, some floating and fine-leaved plants for cover and spawning, and a lid, as it can jump. It handles cooler conditions better than most tropicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEasy and rewarding. Medaka spawn readily in spring and summer; the female carries a cluster of eggs beneath her body for a time before depositing them on fine plants or spawning mops. Move the eggs or plants to a separate container, as adults will eat eggs and fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOryzias latipes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGolden Ricefish (Gold Medaka)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJapan and East Asia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–4 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (schooling)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60+ litres or outdoor tub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (micro)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–28 °C (cool-tolerant)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–20 dGH (soft to hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNano tanks, cool-water communities and outdoor tubs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther small, peaceful, cool-tolerant fish such as white cloud mountain minnows, small rasboras, pygmy corydoras, and peaceful shrimp and snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarge or boisterous fish, fin-nippers, and anything big enough to eat a tiny surface fish. Avoid strong currents and warm-water-only tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232886636835,"sku":"AA3578","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Golden_Ricefish_90c76c57-ee10-4f74-90c0-f5377bdcc9a5.jpg?v=1781701812"},{"product_id":"platinum-ricefish-oryzias-latipes","title":"Platinum Ricefish | Oryzias latipes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Platinum Medaka Ricefish shimmers metallic white-gold at the surface — a gleaming, peaceful shoaler that stays tiny at around 3–4 cm. Hardy and notably cool-tolerant, it is one of the best beginner fish for a planted nano tank or an outdoor patio tub over the warmer months. Keep it in a group for the most natural, confident behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOryzias latipes is native to East Asia, in the still and slow waters of rice paddies, marshes, ditches and quiet ponds. These habitats swing widely in temperature through the seasons, which is why the medaka is so adaptable and cool-hardy. Gentle flow, floating plants and a sunny, planted set-up suit it perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe platinum form is a bright, metallic white-gold, catching the light beautifully near the surface where these fish naturally swim. The body is slender and upturned-mouthed for surface feeding, with large, high-set eyes. Colour glows best in natural or strong light and in a settled group.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEntirely peaceful and sociable, happiest in a shoal near the top of the tank. It suits calm nano and community set-ups and outdoor tubs, and mixes well with other small, gentle fish and shrimp. Being small and surface-oriented, it should not be kept with anything large enough to eat it.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA micro-omnivore with an upturned mouth built for surface feeding. Offer small floating flakes and micro-pellets, plus frozen and live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp and micro-worm. In an outdoor tub it will also hunt tiny invertebrates and mosquito larvae. Feed small amounts often.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 20 L for a small shoal, with 40 L or larger better. It is remarkably tolerant of temperature, thriving anywhere from about 15–28 °C, and does not require a heater in a mild indoor room. Keep pH 6.5–8.5 and moderately hard water; it is unfussy and happy in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Good for planted nanos, ponds and patio tubs.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the easiest egg-layers to breed. The female carries a cluster of eggs hanging from her vent for a time before brushing them onto fine plants or a spawning mop, where they develop and hatch. Adults will eat fry, so plenty of dense cover or moving eggs to a separate container greatly boosts survival. Warmth and good light spur spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOryzias latipes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJapanese Ricefish \/ Medaka (Platinum)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEast Asia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 3–4 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–4 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (schooling)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (micro): small floating flake, micro-pellet, frozen and live foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–28 °C (cool-tolerant)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–8.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerately hard, around 6–20 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanted nano tanks, ponds and patio tubs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other small peaceful fish such as white cloud mountain minnows, small rasboras, pygmy corydoras, dwarf shrimp and snails.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with any fish large enough to eat them, boisterous or fin-nipping species, and fish that need consistently high tropical temperatures at odds with the medaka's cooler preference.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232886669603,"sku":"AA3579","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Platinum_Ricefish_d96a97d4-387b-49ec-80b6-b93628f5582d.jpg?v=1781701813"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/Golden_Ricefish_90c76c57-ee10-4f74-90c0-f5377bdcc9a5.jpg?v=1788252839","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/ricefish.oembed","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}