Orange Medaka Ricefish: A Jewel of the Freshwater Aquarium

If you're looking for a small, peaceful, and eye-catching fish for your aquarium, the Orange Medaka Ricefish is a top contender. With its glowing orange hue and hardy nature, this Japanese native is gaining popularity in aquascaping circles around the world. Whether you're a beginner aquarist or a seasoned hobbyist, the Orange Medaka brings both beauty and ease to any freshwater setup.

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What is an Orange Medaka Ricefish?

The Orange Medaka (Oryzias latipes), also known as the Japanese Ricefish, is a small, schooling fish originally found in East Asia—particularly in Japan, Korea, and parts of China. While the wild type Medaka is a more subdued silver or brownish color, selective breeding has produced striking varieties like the Orange Medaka, prized for its vibrant, translucent orange body.

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Why Choose Orange Medaka for Your Tank?

Here are a few reasons why these fish are so loved in the aquarium community:

• ? Hardy and Adaptable: Orange Medakas tolerate a wide range of temperatures (15–28°C / 59–82°F), making them ideal for both heated and unheated tanks.

• ? Visually Appealing: Their bright coloration stands out, especially in planted tanks or against dark substrates.

• ? Peaceful and Social: They're non-aggressive and do well in community tanks with other small, peaceful species.

• ? Low Maintenance: These fish are undemanding and perfect for beginners.

• ? Scientifically Famous: Medaka are used in genetic and developmental research, so they're among the most studied fish species in biology.

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Basic Care Guide

Tank Size
A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of Medaka, but larger tanks allow for better schooling behavior and water stability.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18–25°C (64–77°F)

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate

Diet
They’re omnivores and will eat most commercial flake foods, micro-pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.

Behavior
Orange Medakas are active, mid-to-top swimmers. They enjoy open swimming space and light currents but also benefit from floating plants or fine-leaved cover.

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Breeding Orange Medaka

One of the most fascinating aspects of keeping these fish is how easy they are to breed:

• They are egg layers and often spawn daily in stable conditions.

• Females carry their eggs attached to their abdomen for a short time before depositing them on plants or spawning mops.

• With minimal intervention, you can raise fry in a separate container, feeding them infusoria or powdered fry food.

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Fun Facts

• ? The Medaka was the first vertebrate to mate in space aboard the International Space Station!

• ? It was also the first fish to have its genome fully sequenced.

• ? In the wild, they are often found in rice paddies—hence the name “Ricefish.”

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Conclusion

Whether you're captivated by their scientific legacy, glowing appearance, or simple care needs, Orange Medaka Ricefish make an excellent addition to any peaceful freshwater tank. With just a little attention to their environment, you’ll be rewarded with active, colorful fish and even the possibility of raising the next generation.

If you're looking to add a spark of color and a touch of science to your aquarium, the Orange Medaka is the perfect catch.